CFA Connect Blogosphere

BEST WISHES CHIEF

In my blog post Q & A update - Boundaries, Command and Control in December, one of the questions I answered was:

As the first anniversary of 7 February approaches, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the events of not only that day, but the weeks leading up to it, particularly the fires in Gippsland, and the tremendous work CFA members have done in Black Saturday's aftermath.

While I wasn't with CFA last fire season, like so many other Australians I watched the events unfold with anguish and sorrow, but also with an overwhelming sense of pride in the response.

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you since my last post. It's been a busy time for all of us but I still want to make sure my blog is regularly updated, especially given the feedback you've provided and the questions you've been asking.

Having the technology to deliver regular online updates is one thing, but it's the quality of the interaction that will determine whether this blog is a success. So far, I've seen a wealth of considered opinions, well thought out comments and probing questions in response to my posts. So I'd say you're certainly keeping up your end of the bargain, and I'll continue doing my best to keep up mine.

Thank you for your feedback on my last blog entry about CFA's changing boundaries and improved command and control arrangements. It's encouraging to me that so many of you are passionate about ensuring we do the best thing for CFA as well as the community, so I wanted to give you an update on progress since I last blogged.

Victoria today is different in many ways from what it was when CFA was formed six and a half decades ago. The social, economic and environmental landscapes have changed: Victorians are highly mobile and have greater access to information through rapidly evolving technology.

Traditional boundaries are continually challenged by increasing population, community needs and expectations, and learning to live with a changing climate. CFA is operating in a new era and, as it has in the past, will ready itself to meet the future needs of Victorians.