CFA Connect Blogosphere

24 hour CFA / MFB Relay: Leading Firefighter James Wong from Boronia has alerted me to the 24 hour CFA/MFB Relay. The purpose is to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital "Good Friday Appeal". Following a very successful inaugural event last year, CFA and MFB will again join forces to make an impact for the community: "two services, one cause". The event is being organized by the CFA Running and Adventure Club (CFARAC) and MFB Charity Running Club (MFBCRC). The event runs from 0900hrs Thursday 21 to 0900hrs Friday 22 April. Run well, stay safe and successful fund raising!

The New Zealand Earthquake:
Our hearts go out to those affected by the New Zealand earthquake. I have passed on our thoughts and condolences to Mike Hall, the National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service. The Urban Search and Rescue response from Queensland and New Zealand has evoked a number of questions as to why a Victorian team was not dispatched. Under an International USAR plan, Australia has two international teams only. These are Queensland and New South Wales. Other state teams are intended for domestic use in the first instance. Please be assured that CFA has been part of a comprehensive plan developed to offer resources and capability to New Zealand, should a request occur. Regional Manager Trevor Andrews, from the NZFS, who has been on secondment with CFA since October last year has been an important information link to New Zealand. At this stage a contingent of Police from Victoria and Australia has been requested and DSE are sending a small number of logistics personnel to set up a base camp as a contingency for emergency service personnel at Christchurch. We are ready to be part of an integrated support force if a request is made.

I'd like to inform you of the ‘FireReady Roadshow' which will be visiting over 40 community events around the state across ten weeks.

A change in season brings with it a change in perspective.

When concentrating on the bushfire season we can be forgiven for focusing on the here and now, but of course work at CFA is not just seasonal, and as we approach the winter months we need to remain as ready as ever in dealing with new conditions and different challenges.

The days of businesses existing solely to turn a profit are now a lengthening shadow into the past. From multinational, billion dollar enterprises to locally owned and operated small businesses, we are now in an era when Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are a critical feature of corporations both locally and abroad.

CSR refers to the practice of including the community's interests in corporate decision making. Often, it is associated with offsetting the environmental impacts of particular businesses' activities, but it can include a variety of corporate initiatives that ultimately benefit the public.