CFA’s change to digital radio dispatch channels is set to begin on 8 December in District 12, the first CFA District to migrate to the new digital frequencies on CFA Tait Radios.

The change will roll out District by District, with radio traffic still available on existing analogue radio frequencies for a period of time while the change to digital radio is bedded in.

VFBV has important advice for everyone using a listening set or scanner to monitor local Brigade activity;

• Don’t dispose of your existing analogue set – analogue radio frequencies will still be used for incident management channels for the foreseeable future, even after regional dispatch goes digita
• CFA will make regional dispatch available online
• CFA is now looking at digital scanners/listening sets, with the intention of partnering with a vendor(s) to select digital sets that will be available for members to purchase at a competitive price – VFBV representatives are on the working party that will assess the machines’ suitability

The project was built into CFA’s Regional Radio Dispatch Project after VFBV’s 2010 Scanner and Listening Set Stocktake confirmed that there were thousands of sets being used by Brigades, volunteers and their families to monitor the movement of appliances and the escalation of jobs in their local area.   For operational volunteers, their scanner provided a way of predicting when their own pager might light up, and for family members, the listening set offered a way of providing support or just keeping tabs on how things were going for a volunteer in the field.

Well done to all Brigades that responded to the stocktake, which gave VFBV solid facts and figures to back what had been common volunteer wisdom up until that point, and well done to CFA Headquarters staff and in particular the Regional Radio Dispatch Project and CFA Technology Services Teams for working with VFBV and Brigades to provide flexible options that will help keep volunteers, Brigades and communities in touch with their crews in the field.

Digital radio promises more range, sensitivity and voice quality in radio communications and dedicated dispatch channels for each CFA District.

With Telstra contracted to build the new Regional Radio Dispatch network, the infrastructure build program is well advanced and once District 12 migrates across, a schedule for all CFA districts will cascade in quick succession.

Progress reports and project updates are being posted on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Hundreds of fire brigades across Victoria will open their doors to the community as part of CFA Sunday next weekend.

There will be fun activities including fire training demonstrations and sausage sizzles, an opportunity to take a look at fire trucks, equipment and the station and to meet local CFA firefighters.

CFA Sunday is a free event and will mainly be celebrated on Sunday, 24 November with over 200 brigades taking part (see a full list of participating brigades with exact dates of their event below).

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the day also provided an opportunity for people to find out how they can protect themselves, their family and property from fire this summer.

“We’re expecting another busy fire season – it’s been wet and it will be a warm summer, meaning lots of vegetation growth and lots of fuel for fire,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The fire season is already well under way – we’ve had our first Total Fire Ban and fire restrictions are already in place in parts of the Mallee and Wimmera.

Last year conditions were similar and we saw more than 4000 fires burn 190,000 hectares in Victoria.
“Now is the time to prepare your family and your home in the lead up to summer and we’re here to help – members will be on hand to provide a range of fire safety information.”

Mr Ferguson said people keen to get involved could also speak to CFA members about joining their local brigade.

“There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with CFA that don’t just involve getting on a fire truck,” he said.

“Non-operational roles range from delivering community education, to assisting with fundraising events or activities, catering, management and recruitment.”

Mr Ferguson said CFA Sunday was a way for the public, and CFA as a whole, to recognise the great work being done by CFA’s 60,000 members to protect lives and property in Victoria.

“On behalf of CFA I thank these members for their tireless efforts and contribution to their communities.”

CFA Sunday is being held at the end of Fire Action Week which runs from 17-24 November. Members of the public can visit cfa.vic.gov.au/cfasunday to find out if and when their local brigade is taking part.

Last minute preparations are in full swing ahead of next weekends Bushfire & Emergency Services Expo at Riddells Creek.

The Gisborne Fire Brigade will again lend a hand this year on McHappy Day to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House charities.

To raise funds for RMHC, McHappy Day is held annually and everyone in the McDonald’s business – franchisees, crew, managers, head office staff and suppliers – participates in some way. Celebrities and local personalities join in the fun and one dollar from every Big Mac sold is donated to RMHC. Other products and merchandise are also sold to contribute to the fundraising.

The brigade will be shaking the tin for the cause and will be showing off their truck and fire equipment to the kids and parents.

Firefighters will be at the Gisborne Mcdonalds from 2pm till 4pm, Saturday 9th November.