Operation Paia Truks Supporting our Pacific neighbours - Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
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RESILIENT AND READY FOR THE PEOPLE OF QUEENSLAND
QUEENSLAND’S OFFICIAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MAGAZINE EDITION 36
Operation Paia Truks
Supporting our
Pacific neighbours
EDITION
36
CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
>> International Women’s Day Awards 4
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S
>> QFES donates fire trucks to PNG 7
DAY AWARDS
>> Floods response 9
Celebrating female
leaders >> K9 squad training 10
4
>> Operation Cool Burn 12
>> Commissioner’s Awards for Excellence 13
>> Driverless vehicles research 14
>> Marine Rescue Working Group 15
OPERATION PAIA TRUKS >> PSBA transition 17
Supporting our >> Emergency Services Cadets 18
neighbours AROUND THE STATE
7
>> South Western Region 20
>> Far Northern Region 21
>> Northern Region 22
COMMISSIONER’S >> Central Region 23
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE >> North Coast Region 25
Top honours for virtual
reality training >> Brisbane Region 26
13
>> South Eastern Region 27
STRATEGY
>> Cutting red tape 28
>> FleetWave 29
ON THE COVER
RESILIENT AND READY FOR THE PEOPLE OF QUEENSLAND
QUEENSLAND’S OFFICIAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MAGAZINE EDITION 36
Five fire trucks donated by QFES were COMMUNITY
loaded onto the HMAS Choules to be
transported to PNG. >> New AFL team 31
GALLERY 32
Operation Paia Truks
SPOTLIGHT
Supporting our
Pacific neighbours
>> PSO of the Year 34
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FOREWORDS
MIKE WASSING ADAM STEVENSON
Acting Commissioner Acting Deputy Commissioner
QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES STRATEGY AND CORPORATE SERVICES
At QFES, working together across our department and I recently had the privilege of welcoming PSBA staff members
with our community and partners is the key to keeping who have transitioned to QFES through both in-person and
Queenslanders safe. online inductions.
I am proud of the way everyone has stood together through Thank you to all the new members of our QFES family for
recent challenges, from the bushfires and floods to the helping make this an even greater place to work. We have
COVID-19 lockdown. been working hard to make your transition as smooth as
possible.
As a team, the values that bind us and underpin everything It’s a pleasure to have you on board, and I am confident that
we do are respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust. together we will provide the best possible service for our
They bear repeating because when we face our most difficult community.
challenges, they will steer us through. As you’re aware the Commissioner recently announced some
changes to the directorates within the Strategy and Corporate
As a volunteer and staff workforce, your professionalism, Services Division (SCSD).
teamwork and dedication during the recent floods in
While some changes have had to happen quickly to
Queensland and NSW are proof of this.
accommodate functions being transitioned from PSBA,
I would like to acknowledge the great work of everyone who the Commissioner has agreed to extend the official
helped support the community through the floods, from the commencement date of a SCSD realignment to 1 July 2021.
frontline to regional coordination and state support. Having this extra time will enable us to undertake a full
Members from every service answered more than 1400 calls engagement process with all staff impacted by the changes as
well as consult with those indirectly affected.
for assistance in Queensland.
Over the next few months the Commissioner will continue
About 130 SES members and FRS swiftwater technicians his regional visits to hear more about people’s experiences
journeyed south to lend a hand to our colleagues in northern working and volunteering for QFES. These conversations are
NSW. important to QFES and our priorities into the future, so we
can be the best we can be for our community.
It was a huge effort that could not have been achieved
without our services, partners and community working as It’s now been several months since the Royal Commission
one. into National Natural Disaster Arrangements released
its final report on 30 October 2020, which included 80
The Bureau of Meteorology has officially declared La Niña to recommendations.
be over, but we remain vigilant, and already our preparations Good progress is being made on these recommendations and
have begun for the next bushfire season. Queensland is working with the Commonwealth and its state
Here in Queensland, one hazard gives way to another, but our and territory counterparts to progress those prioritised by the
National Federation Reform Council. These include:
community, with QFES behind them, stands ready.
• the Australian Warning System
To ensure we deliver these essential services with all
• the Australian Fire Danger Rating System
Queenslanders in a sustainable way, we must continue
to work smartly and efficiently, in this current challenging • nationally consistent pre-agreed disaster recovery funding
arrangements
environment.
• a review of the path to expeditiously deliver the Public
At the core of our approach remains our shared purpose Safety Mobile Broadband
irrespective of your service or function within the department,
• making substantial progress to reform fundraising laws
or whether you are volunteer or paid, or whether you wear a
uniform or not. Every one of you contribute every day to the • making substantial progress to improve natural disaster
risk information to support decision-making such as land-
safety and well being of Queensland communities as well as
use planning for new development, and the construction
each other. code.
Some adjustments to the way we work will need to be made, The Commonwealth, Tasmanian, Australian Capital Territory
but we have always prided ourselves on our adaptability, and and Victorian Governments have released responses to the
I have every confidence that we will meet this challenge. final report, and the Commonwealth has started to implement
a number of recommendations. Our organisation will play a
critical role in implementing the recommendations supported
by the Queensland Government, and while this is a big job,
QFES, as always, will rise to meet the challenge.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 3
CELEBRATE
Celebrating women in
emergency services
QFES hosted this year’s Public Safety Agencies International Women’s Day to celebrate the inspiring
women in our organisations and encourage conversations about gender equality.
People from across the state tuned in virtually to hear a panel discussion exploring the United Nations
theme of ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’.
Staff and volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contributions to embracing gender equality
and promoting the rights and wellbeing of women in QFES.
Mentor of the Year completed any training.
Cassandra Sorensen has held many positions in the Poison Creek “I think things have definitely changed since then, especially
Rural Fire Brigade,
within our brigade, where the younger members don’t have those
including six years as
attitudes,” she said.
First Officer and 10 as
Volunteer Community
Champion of Change
Educator.
“Our brigade has a Acting Inspector
strong connection Paula Douglas
with the community from Toowoomba
and we work together Command has
with neighbouring
championed
brigades and
fairness, equity
auxiliary firefighters,”
and inclusion
Cassandra said.
during her
“We’ve had an influx
13 years as a
of new members over the last 12 months, and it’s been great
firefighter.
getting to know them.”
A teacher during the day, Cassandra also mentors the Cooktown “I enjoy feeling a
Cadets. She recently delivered training to local young people greater sense of purpose in helping the community,” Paula said.
for the Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management in
partnership with the Rural Fire Brigade Association Queensland Paula helped develop the Frontline Women’s Network to support
and the Rural Fire Service (RFS). female firefighters.
On top of this, Cassandra is a carer for Wildlife Rescue “Our former Assistant Commissioner Michelle Young started the
Queensland. She looked after injured flying foxes at the end of process and I created a plan to develop a network within the
2018, when a record heatwave in far north Queensland killed permanent female firefighter ranks,” Paula said.
about one third of their population.
“We meet quarterly to discuss current issues and how to
“When I first joined the brigade 16 years ago, Training Support
create change. The network has supported a lot of meaningful
Officer Jamie Haskell became my mentor and offered me training
courses to develop my skills,” she said. conversations and we’re working to expand it into a whole-of-
QFES women’s network.”
Despite this, Cassandra was overlooked for an officer position,
which was given to a male brigade member who hadn’t
4 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
CELEBRATE
As she has risen through the ranks, the physical challenges of There’s a large cohort of about 40 000 people who are registered
responding as an operational firefighter have been replaced with to come back into Australia, including fruit pickers, miners and air
the tactical challenges of managing incidents. crews.”
“There’s a lot of variety in working for QFES,” she said. Her other achievements include working with the State Air
Operations Unit to develop the QFES Remotely Piloted Aircraft
“I think leaders tend to do well when they apply their operational
System (RPAS) capability and being part of the 2032 Olympics
knowledge in a compassionate and respectful way.
Costing Team that costed out the services QFES would provide
“Leadership is about inspiring others to take ownership and be for the games.
empowered.”
“With my style of leadership, I like to lead by example,” she
Outstanding said. “I’m very much a team person. Everybody in a team has a
Female Leader different skill set and something to offer, so I look to work with
– Corporate each person and make sure everyone is supported.
Support and “It’s great to see that we have more women contributing to QFES
Administration and the SDCC – everyone has something to offer.”
Jody Rossner has Outstanding
developed a diverse Female Leader
workforce by training – RFS
QFES and whole-of-
government staff in For more than 20
the State Disaster years, Kyra Hill
Coordination Centre has been with the
Karumba Rural Fire
(SDCC).
Brigade in the Gulf of
“While the SDCC provides support to the Local and District Carpentaria.
Disaster Groups,” Jody said, “I like to think of us as the pit crew
“I was humbled and
supporting these groups.
delighted that QFES
“I enjoy working with other agencies because it gives me an would recognise me
understanding of how everybody has a role and how everyone for my work out here,” Kyra said.
can work together.”
She showed leadership when she successfully encouraged all
When the SDCC was activated in February 2020 to manage brigade members to apply for their Blue Cards so the brigade
the pandemic, Jody developed the SDCC processes for hotel could continue to meet operational requirements.
St
quarantine in Queensland.
“We had to make up processes on the fly for things we’d never 2021 award winners
done before,” Jody said. Outstanding Female Leader – FRS:
Lynette Roveglia, Captain, Forrest Beach Fire and Rescue
“We still have two to three thousand people a day in quarantine. Station
Outstanding Female Leader – RFS:
Kyra Hill, Secretary, Karumba Rural Fire Brigade
Outstanding Female Leader – SES:
Julie Dance, Local Controller
I enjoy feeling a
Outstanding Female Leader – Corporate Support and
greater sense of Administration:
Jody Rossner, Senior Program Officer, Exercise
purpose in helping Coordination Unit
the community. Mentor of the Year:
Cassandra Sorensen, First Officer
Paula Douglas
Champion of Change:
Paula Douglas, Acting Inspector, Toowoomba Command
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 5
CELEBRATE
Kyra is also a member of Volunteer Marine Rescue and the Outstanding
Director of the Karumba Children’s Centre. Female
Leader – FRS
“People power really makes a difference,” she said. “Whether it’s
writing grant applications or looking after admin, you just make Lynette Roveglia
it happen. goes above and
beyond the call
“Our remoteness can make training difficult, but for the most part
of duty as an
we’re very lucky, and there’s a strong understanding in town that
Auxiliary Captain,
when the call goes out, volunteers need to go off and get things
and dedicates her
done.
time to mentoring
“We’re surrounded by a lot of scrubland, so we do a lot of new recruits.
backburning.
“I went to the
“This is a small fishing town, and it doesn’t matter what your ceremony to
gender is, as long as you’re ready and willing to do the job. We support everybody else, and then out of nowhere they read my
have so many strong women here.” name out,” Lynette said.
Outstanding Female Leader – SES “I think awards like this are great because they recognise
people’s hard work and dedication, but there are also a lot of
Julie Dance is an advocate for equality in the State Emergency people in the background who don’t necessarily get recognised.
Service (SES) and has greatly increased the number of women
members in the “In our role, you can’t do this job on your own. When you’ve got
Georgetown SES a good crew behind you, the job is a lot easier.”
Unit.
Lynette has been with QFES for 32 years and is now the Auxiliary
She has been Area Training Coordinator for Northern Region.
with the SES for
“I like meeting new recruits and watching them develop and
more than 20
progress through the ranks,” she said.
years, including
10 years as Local “The main challenge we have up here is the distances we have
Controller, and to travel – thousands of kilometres between towns – so we often
organises events use Teams to support training.
and training for
“As a mentor, you’ve got to gain their trust and respect
the RFS and SES.
and understand everyone’s needs so they feel comfortable
“Receiving the approaching you.
award was certainly unexpected and my whole team cheered
when they heard the news,” Julie said. “I love my role at QFES, and I encourage anybody looking for a
challenging job to consider becoming an auxiliary firefighter.”
“Working with other members who are friends, neighbours and
colleagues brings us all together for a good cause.
“We cover a huge area with very harsh terrain. Communication
services are non-existent outside townships, so it’s hard to speak
with other team members once we’re on the road.” QFES has come a long
Julie works hard to foster an atmosphere where all members’ way in terms of equality.
contributions are valued.
Women are empowered
“My style of leadership is more about support and
encouragement,” she said. “We have a good mix of people in our to know they can make
team and we weave together very well.” big contributions and feel
Julie said recognising women with the awards helped encourage
more women to be involved in the emergency services.
they have much to offer.
Julie Dance
“QFES has come a long way in terms of equality. Women are
empowered to know they can make big contributions and feel
they have much to offer.”
6 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
OPERATIONS
QFES worked together with the ADF to transport the trucks. The trucks travelled to PNG via the Whitsundays.
Operation Paia Truks
QFES has shipped five fire trucks across the sea to the Papua New Guinea Fire Service (PNGFS) in the
spirit of friendship and collaboration.
The nine-month Operation Paia Truks (fire trucks) project During the Black Summer bushfires, PNG supported Australia by
was completed with the delivery of five ex-service Type 2 fire sending 100 members of the PNG Defence Force, who helped
appliances to Port Moresby in February. reconnect isolated communities in the Gippsland region by
clearing roads and debris. They also boosted morale by sharing
QFES engaged with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to songs and culture.
transport the trucks to PNG, resulting in loading them aboard
HMAS Choules using the ship’s cranes. Project lead Chief Superintendent Brad Commens said the trucks
and equipment were the largest single donation to PNGFS since
The trucks’ six-day journey took them via the Whitsunday Islands. the start of the MOU 29 years ago.
Also included in the equipment donation were 16 new breathing
“A project like this is only possible through the commitment of
apparatus (BA) sets and spare cylinders, provided through a
multiple partners, both within QFES and, in this case, with DFAT
funding grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
and ADF,” he said.
(DFAT), and 150 sets of firefighter protective clothing from QFES.
“With appliances and equipment provided by QFES, BAs and
Commissioner Leach, who officiated the handover to the ADF, appliance refit funded through DFAT, and transport provided by
said it was a pleasure for QFES to gift the shipment to the ADF, we have shown the effectiveness of joint civilian-military
PNGFS. operations.”
“They are good quality ex-service appliances with a
comprehensive inventory of firefighting and road crash rescue
equipment,” Mr Leach said.
PNGFS Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo expressed his appreciation for
the donation.
“I am excited and lost for words, but from the bottom of my
heart I thank you for all the effort, and energy you have put into
this successful project,” Mr Roo said.
“I also take this time to thank Commissioner Leach for the
heartfelt decision he made to donate those trucks to the PNGFS.”
Australia has a long and productive relationship with PNG,
including Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between QFES
and PNGFS since 1992. The handover of the trucks and equipment at Port Moresby.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 7
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OPERATIONS Rising waters As floodwaters rose across south-east Queensland and northern NSW, QFES members answered calls for help and worked with our community and partners to keep people safe. The floods inundated homes and surged “My team found a shipping container that They helped the Port Macquarie SES Unit over roads, leading to more than 1400 had floated down the Manning River, struck restock their shelves and distributed goods calls for assistance in Queensland. State a bridge and come to rest between two to community hubs where people could Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire houses. pick up clothes, food and other essentials. Service (RFS) Volunteers and Fire and “Garages were ripped apart. One resident “One QLD SES team was sent on a Rescue Service (FRS) swiftwater technicians said they’d removed two-and-a-half tonnes particularly challenging task to assess were quick to respond. of damaged items and expected another damage and people’s wellbeing in a remote Once the situation in Queensland was three tonnes to be taken away.” valley cut off by floodwaters,” Jared said. under control, about 170 QFES members Jared’s taskforce assisted with a wide range “The community was so grateful we’d come also packed their bags and boats and of tasks including storm damage, heights down from Queensland to help. They were travelled south to support emergency work, public relations, reconnaissance, and very humbled and overwhelmed to have services in NSW. tasks using flood boats including rescues our assistance.” They lent a hand as part of the huge flood and evacuations as well as food and response in Coffs Harbour, Nambucca medical resupplies. Heads, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle and around Western Sydney. Jared Taylor, SES volunteer and media contact for the Queensland State Emergency Service Volunteer Association Inc, was deployed with an SES taskforce to Port Macquarie and Taree in NSW. “There was so much devastation and a lot of people who needed assistance,” Jared said. “The floodwaters rose very quickly, and people were caught off guard. I was surprised by the sheer amount of water that had gone straight through houses and wiped everything out. Queensland SES crews at the NSW SES headquarters in Port Macquarie. Evacuating community members in Ulmarra Region, NSW. A landslide in Wongawallan. Photo by Robert Bloss. www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 9
OPERATIONS
The K9 squad practised tracking scents at Whyte Island.
K9 squad gets prepared
Twelve volunteer handlers and their dogs from the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K9 squad
conducted a major training session at Whyte Island in March to build their skills.
The squad deploys to disasters in Australia and overseas, “I’d been looking at options for volunteering in Queensland and
including the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan in 2011, this just fit all the pieces of the puzzle.
tracking scents to find missing persons under rubble.
“It’s a huge responsibility to keep ourselves and the dogs
Commissioner Greg Leach said the K9 squad was valuable for mission ready, but it’s very rewarding to know if the community
QFES’ disaster response capability. needs us, we’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
“As it takes two to three years of training and assessment for Natalie said the team’s dogs came from varied backgrounds.
handlers and dogs to become qualified, training as a team is
“The highest-ranking search dogs in Australia were both mixed
vitally important,” Mr Leach said.
breeds from a shelter,” she said.
“The working life of a dog is relatively short so we are always
“Many of our dogs are ‘repurposed’ – for example, I have two
working to train new handlers and dogs to ensure future needs
Belgian Malinois I adopted from the RAAF because they were
of the community can be met.”
unsuitable as military working dogs, but they needed a job to be
The right dogs for the job happy.
Volunteer handler Natalie Fraser joined the team in 2018. Like “Some of our dogs are purpose-bred for searching or hunting,
many handlers, Natalie is a vet. She specialises in veterinary but we have very few restrictions on the types of breeds or
reproduction and also consults with the RAAF on their breeding mixes.
program.
“The most important things we look for are a genuine enjoyment
“Before I immigrated to Australia, I worked with one of the of people, and a strong desire to do work for some sort of
premier detection dog programs in the US, which started my reward, like food or a toy.”
fascination with detection dogs,” Natalie said.
10 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
OPERATIONS
CAPABILITY
Falkor and Bourke “As handlers, we simply teach them to tell us where the scent of
a living person is strongest.
Natalie’s two dogs couldn’t be more different.
“We start by teaching the dogs to bark on cue for their reward.
“I adopted my first dog, Falkor, for competitive sports,” Natalie
We transition this to barking at people, and then gradually
said. “A fellow handler suggested I try him at USAR because he
increase the difficulty of finding that person, until the dog can
was a very suitable breed, and he loved it.
detect them even if they can’t physically get close to the person
“He’s been my partner for nearly three years, and I genuinely feel because they’re trapped inside a structure.”
there’s nothing I could ask of him where he wouldn’t give 110%.
Unlike bomb or narcotics dogs, USAR dogs work in dangerous
“Our relationship has grown stronger every year, and it’s really terrain, off leash and sometimes out of sight of their handler.
exciting to see it come through in his work.
“We spend a huge amount of time teaching them agility,
“He loves his job, and would search for people every day if he obedience and directional control so we can move them into
could. He’s also very serious, so I make sure the job retains at search areas from a distance,” she said.
least some elements of fun!
“We desensitise them to loud noises, such as generators and
“My ‘puppy’, Bourke, is just shy of two years old, and I’ve power tools, that they might encounter on the job site.
been working with him for about a year now. We’re still in the
“We need them to be social, quiet and well-mannered while
development phase of our relationship, and he is just a very
stationed at the base of operations during a briefing.”
goofy dog.
As for what the dogs get up to in their down time, Natalie said
“His working style is the polar opposite to Falkor’s – every day is
they had a better social life than she did.
just a joyful opportunity to go do some sort of work.”
“We do some cross training in different dog sports to allow them
On the scent to exercise their brains for fun,” she said.
Dogs use a special scent-detecting organ that can smell up to “Falkor’s favourite activity is herding sheep, and Bourke really
100 000 times better than humans. enjoys agility. Both boys love hiking, biking and swimming at the
“Their ability to smell is akin to our eyesight,” Natalie said. “They beach, which helps keep up their general fitness and endurance.”
are continually aware of the scent of objects in the environment.
Handlers and their dogs train for two to three years to qualify. Volunteer K9 handler Natalie Fraser with her dog Bourke.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 11STRATEGY
A hazard reduction burn at Lucinda. Photo by Candice Song.
Operation Cool Burn:
Exciting changes in 2021
This year is a turning point in QFES’ bushfire mitigation program, as we introduce significant
changes to the way we assess risk and time our activities.
Since 2016, Operation Cool Burn (OCB) On 31 August this year, when OCB It is envisaged that, in time, mitigation will
has reduced the potential impacts of traditionally ends, QFES will continue transition to a rolling program where land
bushfires by identifying high-risk areas and capturing and recording mitigation managers apply strategies for their areas
using targeted activities including hazard activities. including how frequently they conduct
reduction burns near at-risk assets. burns and where they create fire breaks.
“This recognises two important truths:
This approach is supported by external Queensland is a big state with widely “Capturing more mitigation activities will
research such as that done by CSIRO, varying conditions, and bushfire mitigation help our understanding of fuel loads and
Australian National University and Griffith activities can be undertaken year-round,”
preparations near communities, but it will
University. James said.
also improve bushfire information in the
This year QFES will use a new methodology “These activities don’t stop being effective broader landscape,” James said.
to better support Area Fire Management just because they happen outside the OCB
Groups (AFMGs) to identify risks in a period. “While research supports mitigation
transparent and evidence-based way. near our communities as the best bang
“Our changing climate means we have for buck in terms of protecting assets,
James Haig, Executive Manager of Bushfire more limited windows for burning, so we
understanding distant hazards is also
Mitigation Strategy and Policy, said the need the flexibility of a year-round program
useful.
methodology aligned with the Queensland to keep our communities safe.”
Emergency Risk Management Framework “This can help manage large remote fires
This means from 31 August this year QFES
and was supported by new data sets of and improve the chances of controlling
will record many more bushfire mitigation
buildings and overall fuel hazard ratings. efforts completed by QFES and our them before they grow.
“The methodology provides a framework partners.
“These changes will require plenty of hard
to help AFMGs methodically consider the “To support this, the State Bushfire work and steady improvement, but 2021
various factors that affect risk and capture Committee has formed a new working is likely to be a watershed year for our
that local knowledge systematically. group of key partners so we can agree bushfire mitigation programs.
“Local knowledge is vital when it comes about what information we need to record
to bushfire mitigation and the new and share this data more effectively,” James “Thank you for all the hard work regions
said. and state-based team members have
methodology helps give this knowledge
greater context, making it even more “This will paint a common picture of fuel already put in this year. I encourage
useful,” James said. loads, hazards and preparedness. everyone to get behind this exciting new
direction.”
This change in itself is significant, but QFES “QFES recently released some simple apps
will also transition our mitigation program to help brigades and partners capture To learn more about the science behind
from a five-month operational period to permit burn and community engagement bushfire mitigation, check out The Burning
year-round. information more easily.” Question documentary on the Gateway.
12 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)CELEBRATE
Top honour for virtual reality training
Robert Hawxwell won the 2020 Commissioner’s Outstanding Award and Adaptive Award for his work
using virtual reality (VR) headsets and 360° video to drop recruits into simulated emergencies where
they can safely develop their skills.
Robert has always been fascinated by “It’s also much safer. For example, a real- The team plans to distribute VR training
technology. Twenty years ago, he helped life container burn can be overwhelming – for all three services throughout the
implement the station management system hot, crowded and hard to hear. regions, particularly since the disruptions of
that introduced computers into fire and COVID-19.
rescue stations. “Simulating this experience allows the
instructor to talk recruits through it and “We’re also developing virtual classrooms
He started working on VR technology make sure they feel safe. We’re the first in in Teams,” Robert said. “People can join
six years ago in the Digital Learning Australia to train recruits this way.” from anywhere and interact with each other,
Deployment Unit at Whyte Island, helping move around the environment and study
develop a fully immersive VR system. Robert and his team also simulated a road virtual models.
crash rescue by putting a camera on a
“Recruits wear a VR headset and a heated dummy in the passenger seat of a crashed “We’re really leading the way with this
vest that simulates flames approaching,” car. technology. We’re assisting other states, as
Robert said. well as the Queensland Police Service, to
“The recruits are entrapped in the use similar techniques.
“We also simulate the pressure of a passenger seat, with a pole against their
firehose. They hold a hose in their hands door, as they watch ambulance officers and “VR simulations will never fully replace
and when they spray water in VR, the firefighters cut the driver out and extricate practical training, but they’re a fantastic
hose rewindsSt and pulls them back. We her,” he said. “It puts them in the shoes of way to enhance it.”
can simulate different spray patterns and the people they’ll be rescuing.”
pressure, with up to 80 kilograms of force.
“Recruits wear the lower half of a respirator Commissioner’s Awards for Excellence 2020
and carry their computer in a backpack to
simulate a breathing apparatus (BA).” Commissioner’s Outstanding Award and Adaptive Award: Robert Hawxwell
To recreate disaster situations, the team Capable Communities Award: Cheryl-Lee Fitzgerald, Murray Hayton, Nadine Oosen,
captures 360° video footage with six Alan Hatcher, Chris Wegger, Kerry Bodsworth
connected GoPros.
Intelligence Award: Samantha Thompson, Jane Houston, Anna Hurley, Katrina
“We load the video into headsets and use Macdonald, Gery Muir, Tammy Woolf-Stefanutto, Renea Mahboop, Kathleen Tyler, Anita
software to synchronise them, so we can Ransome, Amanda Wanda, Deborah Packer, Phyllida Hayes, Joseph Davis
immerse 20 recruits in the same scenario at
the same time,” Robert said. Interoperable Award: Woodgate Group, Elliott Heads Group, South Kolan Group,
Childers Group, Bundaberg Group, Bargara Group, Innes Park Group, Moore Park Beach
“There are unlimited possibilities, from Group
chemical spills to a house with the roof
blown off by a tornado. Sustainable Award: Peter Mason, Robert Dines
“It’s a great cost saving because we QFES Employer Recognition Award: Steven Oates and William Barnett from Sawcom
can hit one button and reset the whole Industries and Luke Hildred and Joe Pennisi from Ergon Energy
environment.
The world-class VR technology simulates a variety of emergency situations. Commissioner Leach presented the Commissioner’s Outstanding Award 2020 to Robert Hawxwell.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 13STRATEGY
Paving the way for
driverless cars
Driverless cars may be on our roads sooner than we think. What does this mean for QFES and how
can we prepare?
QFES is supporting a research project on driverless cars run “Every state has their own laws, so the technology needs to be
by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and adapted to comply with each state.”
Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
There are details to be ironed out, like how a driverless car
The research gives QFES and other agencies the chance to travelling between states will switch between jurisdictional
experience driverless vehicles and consider how this new legislative directives when it crosses a border.
technology will affect how we deliver services.
People might not expect to see cars driving around by
QFES’ Futures and Research and Scientific branches were both themselves anytime soon, but Justin said they would be rolled
involved in the project and the Digital Learning and Development out once the legislation had caught up.
unit contributed virtual reality equipment to capture data as well
as participating in driving tests for the study. “We’re testing level 4 automation, which is low-level automation
where the car just drives itself,” he said.
Senior Program Manager Justin Wiki said the driving test aimed to
measure driver behaviour as the vehicle switched from manual to “There are six levels of automation slowly rolling out in the next
autonomous driving. few years. When distributors start selling the new cars there will
be a transition period of traditional and automated vehicles.
“The ZOE2 is an electric Renault/Nissan prototype level 4 vehicle,
which performed very well under a variety of conditions,” Justin “One of the first things we will start to see is ‘platooning’, where
said. trucks will be able to check in with the trucks in front of them for
vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V).”
“It was interesting that, even in wet conditions, ZOE2 drove
unassisted without causing distress to the ‘pilot’ or passengers.” For governments struggling to make roads safer, improve air
quality and reduce congestion, platooning is an attractive
Professor Sebastien Glaser from QUT’s Centre for Accident proposition.
Research and Road Safety added, “When the car takes over it will
feel like you want to take over, but if you let the car drive, it can “The transport industry can use this technology to make better
do it by itself.” use of road space, increase safety by reducing time to react and
collectively increase their speed with the fuel efficiency of slip-
Justin said, “Driverless cars aren’t far off, but it’s still premature streaming.
for QFES to be making big changes. Being involved in the
research encourages conversations about how the technology “Along with platooning, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) is currently
might impact QFES.” being tested by TMR. Vehicles fitted with the technology can
be sent safety warnings from adapted infrastructure like traffic
“The technology is currently undergoing assurance testing lights.”
to make sure it meets Australian standards and legislative
requirements. Justin said QFES is strategically positioned to ensure these
technologies and research are provided to leadership to make
evidence-based decisions and share with all QFES members.
Preparing ourselves for a future with this technology is largely
unknown, but with the benefit of talented QFES people and
collaborative knowledge sharing we can drive better strategic
outcomes.
“Driverless vehicles will disrupt the way we think about accidents
from a sociotechnical context and interoperational alignment, as
technology contributes towards TMR’s vision of zero road deaths
and serious injuries on the state’s roads,” Justin said.
Contact the QFES Futures, Planning, Research and Innovation
Unit at innovation@qfes.qld.gov.au if you have questions about
driverless vehicles or if you want to explore innovation design
thinking strategies for your area. You can also search ‘Innovation
The driverless car used in research conducted by TMR and QUT with support from QFES. tools’ on the Gateway.
14 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)STRATEGY
The Marine Rescue Implementation Working Group.
A unified marine rescue service
The Queensland Government recently announced a $35 million investment to establish a single
Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) service that will ensure the sustainability of marine rescue in
Queensland.
Over the next four years, QFES will Brisbane on 2 March 2021 to start planning organisations have a proud history and
be working to establish a new single for the transition. The role of MRIWG is QFES will continue to honour this legacy.”
marine rescue service in Queensland that to provide advice regarding the volunteer
Matt Thompson, Director of Marine Rescue
will provide Marine Search and Rescue marine rescue sector in Queensland and
Implementation, said QFES had a close
capability in support of the Queensland assist QFES with planning and delivering
Police Service (QPS). The Australian working relationship with the AVCGA and
the future integrated service.
Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) VMRAQ.
and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Representatives from a range of
“QFES has facilitated service agreements
Queensland (VMRAQ), with 3000 volunteers organisations attended, including QFES,
with both organisations on behalf of the
between them, will be invited to join a new AVCGA, VMRAQ, Queensland Police Service
Queensland Government since the 1990s,”
service. (QPS), Queensland Ambulance Service
Matt said. “In 2020, the service agreements
(QAS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)
The transition to a single service will totalled $4.5 million.
and the Department of Premier and Cabinet
provide an enhanced service to the (DPC). “We also work closely with flotillas and
boating public and enable better support
squadrons at a local level as part of
for volunteers, giving them greater legal Together, they considered the Blue Water
protection and seek to reduce their emergency response for events like marine
Review working group’s recommendations
fundraising burden over the coming years. fires, as well as disaster response and
and a draft concept of operations.
As a part of this commitment, more than community engagement.
$17 million has been allocated to replace QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said the
“The reform will bring marine rescue
the ageing vessel fleet. combined knowledge of emergency service
closer into the fold as an essential part of
organisations meant Queensland was well
The move is a result of the Blue Water Queensland’s search and rescue system in
positioned to move to this single entity.
Review and a working group, which support of our jurisdictional SAR authority,
recommended a single service was the “QFES has a long and successful history in the Queensland Police Service.
most secure and sustainable option for the managing and supporting volunteer-based
“The new structure will allow QFES and
sector. organisations, such as State Emergency
other emergency services to work more
Service and Rural Fire Service, and would
Marine rescues are on the rise, particularly seamlessly with marine rescue volunteers
be well placed to take responsibility for
with more Australians holidaying and enhance the state’s response
this new entity,” Mr Leach said.
domestically. On average, the AVCGA capabilities.”
and VMRAQ complete more than 4000 “I recognise the outstanding dedication of
activations a year. Matt said the working group’s next steps
past and current marine rescue volunteers
will be advising on the future structure
The Marine Rescue Implementation Working and their contribution to keeping the
of the new service and how QFES will
Group (MRIWG) met for the first time in Queensland community safe. These
continue to support it.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 15STRATEGY
PSBA transition: Putting people first
The transition of staff members from the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA) into QFES has
confirmed that our approach to change is successful.
When the Queensland Government Change Manager Mona Momtazian said “QFES has shown that a people-focused
announced in September 2020 that PSBA’s sharing our change management plan with approach can be successful in transitions
functions would be transferred back into the PSBA Board was crucial to setting us like these,” Virginia said.
QFES and the Queensland Police Service up for success.
“It’s not without its challenges of course.
(QPS), QFES was ready to undertake the
“We tried to make sure our change and But the lengths QFES have gone to in
challenge.
communications approaches were aligned welcoming PSBA staff makes it feel like
The QFES Transition team got to work with those of QPS and PSBA,” Mona said. we’re officially part of the QFES family.”
quickly and started by agreeing on a
“But when that couldn’t be achieved, we This was echoed by Finance Services
change management approach that had reached out to impacted staff and their Manager Andrew Alcock who said that even
people at its centre. current and new managers as soon as though there has been a lot of uncertainty
Executive Manager Louise Snowdon said possible. for PSBA staff during the transition, they
it was important to acknowledge the have been welcomed and supported
“We worked with managers to provide
transition was about much more than through the process.
context around changes and what to expect
just picking up a function from PSBA and once we had approvals for functions to “The transition team has been incredible.
putting it somewhere in QFES. be transitioned into QFES. This meant They have taken an interest in our
managers could keep their staff fully wellbeing and ensured we’re being looked
“From the start our focus has been on
informed at every step.” after as the details get worked out in the
learning from each other and discussing
how we can be more efficient in the way transition,” Andrew said.
Mona said one thing that had worked
we deliver corporate services to support well were the impact assessments, which “It’s a lengthy process and we’ve still got
our frontline,” Louise said. investigated how moving a function into some way to go, but QFES’ communication
QFES would impact existing work processes has been first-rate.
“We have a lot of experience within both as well as understand how best to take on
PSBA and QFES and we want to bring these the new tasks. “There has been consultation and regular
together to help make the department updates from day one. And the induction
operate more effectively.” “The staff involved appreciated the days were fantastic, they really made us
opportunity to share their views and have feel welcome.
Louise said honest, open and transparent a say about how the incoming work should
communication across both groups and all be done.” “It’s also been great to hear from the
corporate business areas was also a key to Commissioner and Executive Leadership
success. Senior HR Business Partner Virginia Team, who have taken time out of their
Middleton said that involving PSBA staff in busy schedules to meet with us and really
“We had to recognise that several agencies impact assessments and business process champion our transition into QFES.
were involved, and this meant different mapping showed that QFES cared about
change and communication approaches had impacts to staff and valued the expertise “QFES, at all levels, has been extraordinary
to be incorporated in our work.” they had to offer. throughout this process.”
PSBA staff attending an induction day at Kedron.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 17COMMUNITY
Next generation is in good hands
The future of QFES is in good hands with Emergency Services Cadets learning the ropes and laying
the foundation of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust.
Thousands of young people across the state are getting a jump Bringing communities together
on a future career in emergency services thanks to QFES.
The programs operate out of an emergency service facility (a fire
The Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) Program has been and rescue station, Rural Fire Service brigade or State Emergency
operating through QFES since 2014. The program is facilitated Service facility) under the leadership and guidance of volunteer
on behalf of QFES by PCYC Queensland, and supported by QFES adult leaders.
staff who volunteer their time.
There are currently 21 ESC units in Queensland, with four units
Skills for life set to launch in 2021. Most of these are in smaller regional areas,
including Biggenden, Charters Towers, Gin Gin, Childers, Torres
One of these ESC volunteers is Inspector Craig Lovell, North Coast
Strait and Tara.
Region Community Safety Manager.
QFES Senior Program Officer, Volunteer Capability and
Craig, who has been an adult leader at the Hervey Bay ESC unit
Sustainability, Jade Keogh said the ESC program offers smaller
since 2019, said the program was important to the young cadets,
communities an opportunity to be part of something different.
aged 12 to 17.
“The program brings young people from all walks of life together
“The program gives young adults exposure to local emergency
to learn a range of emergency service skills, develop their
services and helps them find their purpose in the community,”
leadership potential and give back to their community,” Jade
Craig said.
said.
“ESC also helps them develop skills for when they start looking
“I think that’s why the cadets, particularly those who live in
for jobs after school, including volunteering in the community.”
smaller or more regional locations, find the program so great – it
Craig said the program gives hands-on experiences in emergency gives them something to work towards and look forward to after
services, as well as teaching the young participants about school.”
reading maps, problem solving, Indigenous cultural awareness
Cadets making a difference
and personal development.
The impact of the program extends beyond possible career
“The cadet program is important in developing future leaders,”
prospects. The cadets take pride in, and are passionate about,
he said.
the role they play in their communities. This is true for one cadet
“Some might go on to employment in the emergency services in particular.
and others might not, but the skills they learn at ESC are
transferable to all workplaces.”
The Biggenden ESC unit.
18 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)COMMUNITY
Members of the Hervey Bay ESC unit participating in a controlled burn.
Hervey Bay ESC member B’Jae Jansen led the movement to get “The fabulous ESC team are in the process of finalising and
his unit back online last year after it was disbanded in 2019, launching new units, so it’s absolutely growing,” Jade said.
because of how important it is to him and the other cadets.
This partnership, and the skill and commitment from the
“I have always had a passion for helping people and helping the volunteer leaders, is not lost on the young cadets.
community. There aren’t any other opportunities in Hervey Bay
like the cadet unit,” the 17-year-old high school senior student B’Jae is very grateful for the Hervey Bay unit and knows the other
said. cadets are, too.
B’Jae has been a cadet since 2017 and said the number of young “I would just like to thank everyone who supports the ESC in any
people in the unit had almost doubled from the end of last year way, shape or form, either volunteering, teaching or even being a
– from six to between 10 and 13. cadet and learning,” B’Jae said.
“This is an amazing program and it’s great that there is an “You make a big difference.”
amazing crew that supports each unit,” he said. If you’d like to get involved in your local PCYC Queensland
“I enjoy learning about the emergency services and how they ESC program – as an adult Leader or mentor or by supporting
help everyone in the community, and I’m sure other teenagers do, the ESC events – contact the team on 3909 9555 or
too.” emergencyservicescadets@pcyc.org.au
A logical match
The cadets aren’t the only ones who get something positive from
the program.
Jade said the involvement of QFES volunteers brought the
emergency services and the youth development sector together
through PCYC Queensland.
“The PCYC know the science behind engaging young people and
helping communities, and QFES has the technical knowledge and
skills around prevention, preparedness, response and recovery,”
Jade said.
“QFES is respected all across Queensland, and we have a lot of
experience in community education to help these communities be
more resilient ahead of disasters. When we share this with the
cadets, it benefits us, them and their community.
“QFES and PCYC Queensland working together through ESC is a
logical match between two great organisations and we’re seeing
fantastic things happen through cadets.”
As the ESC program’s profile expands, more and more units are
being established.
Hervey Bay ESC member B’Jae Jansen.
www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 19AROUND THE STATE
SOUTH WESTERN REGION
Four-day response to silo fire
Cecil Plains Fire and Rescue Station responded to a fire in a grain
storage facility at the Norwin silo complex, west of Toowoomba,
in February.
The incident was caused by a product called wet cake, a
biproduct of the ethanol industry being stored for use as feed.
To reach the seat of the fire, emergency services personnel
removed 2000 tonnes of grain over four days.
State Emergency Service members from Toowoomba and Cecil
Plains provided lighting and the Queensland Ambulance Service
and Queensland Police Service assisted the operation.
During the early stages, several Rural Fire Service brigades helped Air Base Operators course
set up the control and supply of additional firefighting water.
State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS)
The Research and Scientific Branch provided invaluable support members, along with auxiliary firefighters, gathered at Roma
by monitoring internal and external air quality and giving advice Airport to undertake the Air Base Operators course.
on the product. The members studied theory before heading out to the airbase to
become familiar with the tempo of airbase operations.
The training included aviation-based planning, logistics and
safety around aircraft, including marshalling and how to safely
reload aircraft.
SES volunteers performing these roles frees up firefighters from
the RFS and Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) to respond during
fire events, and allows aircraft to deploy faster and across wider
areas.
LifeFlight explained the operations of their AW139 rescue
helicopter based at Roma. The relationship between LifeFlight
and our members is extremely important in remote areas,
where volunteers are often the first on scene at life-threatening
incidents.
Stanthorpe mural
The Southern Downs Regional Council and the Stanthorpe
Art Gallery secured a grant for $20 000 from state funding to
produce four murals under the Recovery, Resilience and Healing
initiative after the September 2019 bushfires.
Art Gallery Director Mary Findlay approached QFES about using
Methods of Instruction training in the Darling Downs the wall of the Stanthorpe Fire and Rescue Station for a mural
designed by artist Travis Vinson, whose father is a retired Station
Twelve Rural Fire Service volunteers from Toowoomba, Warwick
Officer from Brisbane.
and Stanthorpe attended a two-day Methods of Instruction course
in Cambooya. Travis used spray cans
to create his masterpiece
This was the first course facilitated for volunteer trainers and
and caught the attention
was run by Miriam Troy from the Volunteer Emergency Services
of many passers-by who
Training Command with assistance from Darling Downs Area Rural
stopped to have a chat.
Staff.
The mural contains many
Methods of Instruction allows current and future trainers to coats of paint, giving it a
develop their skills and knowledge to deliver training and collect lifespan of 10 to 15 years. It
evidence under the QFES Facilitator Model. features auxiliary firefighter
Many of the participants have started undertaking the Reece Lancaster-Kelly,
assessment by delivering training at their own brigades and Michael Bell from the State
groups. Emergency Service and Liz
Thompson from the Rural
The team will look for more opportunities to run this training to Fire Service.
work towards the goal of volunteers training volunteers.
20 RESPONSE Edition 36 April 2021 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)You can also read
