This month - nominations opened for the 2020 Spirit of CFA Awards. Nominations for the current round will close on 3 January 2020.
Held every two years, the Spirit of CFA awards were first held in 2018 and recognises the exceptional achievements of CFA members across nine categories.
These awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise some of our quiet achievers. We all know people who go about their work without any thought of recognition or praise.
The world is roughly split between those with a preference for either extroversion or introversion. Extroverts are often rewarded more often because they are noticed more and tend to enjoy social interactions. They are often described as being enthusiastic and talkative. They
tend to be more assertive around people and enjoy being in the spotlight.
Introverts are often more reserved or reflective. Because they prefer to work quietly or in the background, their contribution may often be overlooked or taken for granted. They may also be overlooked for recognition or leadership roles simply because extroverted behaviour fits more comfortably with the stereotype about how good leaders behave and
interact.
Interestingly some of the world’s most successful leaders have been introverts. Former US President Barack Obama is a recent example. He reminds us of the importance of honouring and respecting those amongst us who thrive in solitude but also make an incredible contribution to the team.
These people often contribute just as much to outcomes. They excel at activities that make good use of their listening skills. The team benefit from their deep thought and reflection to solve the problem at hand.
I encourage you to think about people who are always delivering amazing things. Those that consistently contribute or deliver outstanding results. Especially those that don't enjoy being in the spotlight or aren’t shouting from the rooftops. Have a think about who has made a real difference to your brigade or group. Who toils away day after day, year
after year and doesn’t get the recognition or thanks they deserve?
The Spirit of CFA is a great opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the incredibly valuable contribution CFA members make to our community. Nominate people so that they receive the recognition they deserve. Visit the VFBV or CFA websites for information, or email spiritofcfaawards@cfa.vic.gov.au
AFSM
A reminder that nominations for the next round of Australian Fire Services Medal's close on 1 November 2019. AFSMs are awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day and Queens Birthday honours lists. They are awarded for distinguished service to the fire services across Australia.
Members should refer to the CFA Honours and Awards Nominator’s Guide for help when preparing a nomination. Request the guide from cfaawards@cfa.vic.gov.au
Fire Services Reform
High level planning for next year’s Fire Services Reform implementation continues. The Government recently announced its reform Strategic and Operational Governance structures.
I am pleased to report that the Government have delivered on their commitment to VFBV that we would be engaged and represented at the highest levels.
The Minister has formed a VFBV Volunteer Reference Group at the strategic governance layer. This will ensure we can monitor and contribute to high level strategic issues, opportunities and concerns. This is a small strategic group, VFBV representatives are State President Nev Jones, State Vice President Samantha Rothman and myself.
As workplans are developed - this group will monitor consultation and implementation. Its role will be to inform senior levels of Government on the progress of consultation and ensure decision makers are aware of any volunteer impacts or concerns.
This will not be the only engagement mechanism. All current consultative structures will continue. This will ensure existing structures are linked and are being used to gather input and feedback. There are similar reference groups in the governance structure to ensure career firefighters and non-operational employees are also represented. Hopefully, this
will ensure all perspectives are present and equally involved in discussions.
On 23 September the Minister hosted a strategic workshop with a small group of leaders drawn from across the sector. It was attended by VFBV, UFU, EMV, ESTA, CFA, MFB and senior department and government representatives. This workshop explored and discussed stakeholder perspectives on implementation challenges and opportunities. VFBV was represented by
State President Nev Jones AFSM and myself.
While this was not a decision making forum, it was a terrific opportunity for stakeholders to discuss reform and begin developing shared trust, transparency and goodwill.
I am pleased to report that discussions were positive and good natured. With so much water under the bridge there was no way we could cover everything, but as a way of kicking off a new approach it was certainly a huge step in the right direction. The outcomes of this session will be used to inform the prioritisation of the key issues and opportunities
for the implementation teams to focus on as they develop their work plans.
Over the coming months the agency groups (made up of EMV, CFA, MFB, ESTA and FRV) will start developing draft work and implementation plans. We are told that stakeholder feedback and input will be sought during each phase.
Each of the workstreams will identify projects and tasks required to transition to the new model. This will include key dependencies, resource requirements and scheduling.
I expect this work to start picking up pace and momentum as it progresses from scoping to delivery. VFBV will continue to advocate for strong engagement with the field. We will seek open and genuine opportunities for volunteers to be involved and that the agencies promote, encourage and seek feedback. I must caution members that when the rubber hits the
road there is likely going to be an expectation of fast turnaround for feedback and input.
And while we will continue to advocate for engagement strategies that respect the Volunteer Charter and respect the size and diversity of all our people across the sector, I foreshadow a constant tension. A tension between two competing priorities. Enough time to engage genuinely as one. And the expectations of meeting project deadlines and dependant
activities as two.
I’ll do my bit to ensure decision makers are aware of our expectations, but I encourage members to start preparing for this work now.
For example, are you linked to VFBV consultative structures through your local level? Are you ready to provide informed feedback and comment? Have you selected delegates to represent your brigade or group that attend and contribute to your local VFBV District Council? Do you know who they are? Has your brigade or group started discussions about how it
will prepare and inform your nominated delegates to represent your wishes back to District Council? Have you completed this year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey?
This is your opportunity to have your say about what is working well and what needs improvement.
Get involved and don’t wait to be told what someone else thinks the new CFA will look like. Start thinking about how we as volunteers will address some of the new challenges and opportunities. Start thinking about the new service delivery model that will be required. What do you need from the agencies and the Government to support you? How do you want to
be encouraged when you’re giving your all and making sacrifices to protect and defend your community during its time of need? Tick – tock.
Are you ready to answer these questions when they are asked? Have you answered the questions we have already asked you like through this year’s volunteer survey?
Get involved.