AESM VOL 16, Issue 6 2019

A CONTINENT ON FIRE
Vol 16 2019

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FEATURE
FEATURE
CONTENTS
Living with
Fire and Facing
our Fear
an essay by
Danielle Clode
“
Everything we do here, every
decision we make, is shaped
by fire risk: the garden, the
house, our holidays, our
movements, where we park
the cars, our power and
our water supply, even our
telecommunications.
11
“
The Spirit of
Giving
Online not-for-profit
organisation, GIVIT,
works with thousands
of charities and
community service
providers across
Australia to provide
exactly what is needed
when disaster strikes.
21
FEATURE
The Therapy of Fish
The Reeling Veterans,
a registered charity in
the Northern Territory,
are combating veteran
suicide using the
therapy of fishing,
community and
mateship
27
A Hot, Dry
Summer
The Bureau of Meteorology
Summer outlook. Much of
eastern Australia is likely
to be hotter and drier than
average, driven by the same
climate influences that gave
us a warmer and drier than
average spring.
19
35
Stay Safe this Season
Key figures released by Surf
Life Saving Queensland
(SLSQ) have highlighted a
significant spike in drownings
across the state last year,
along with a record increase
in beach crowds, rescues,
and preventative actions
performed.
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au
The Gift of Life
Max Eckerman, a Perth St
John Ambulance paramedic,
has unwittingly become
the face of blood donation
in Western Australia,
encouraging others to give
the gift of life too.
33

THE REGULARS
• Editor’s Note
3
• Recent Events
R U OK? Launches Support Campaign
ESTA Surprise Delivery
Sheds Of Hope
Victoria’s Largest Aerial Firefighter Fleet
• Emergency Law with Dr Michael Eburn
• Let’s Talk Mental Health with A/Prof Erin Cotter- Smith
• The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Paramedic
• In the Spotlight - Greg Mullins
• Emergency Breaks - NSW South Coast
5
6
6
7
9
17
25
39
41
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LET’S TALK MENTAL HEALTH
Associate Professor Erin Cotter-Smith
Course Coordinator of the School of
Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan
University. Research Consultant at The
Code 9 Foundation
EMERGENCY LAW
Dr Michael Eburn - PHD, Barrister and
leading expert in law relating to emergency
management & emergency services.
MAGAZINE CONTACTS
Editorial Content
press@ausemergencyservices.com.au
THE GOOD, THE BAD &
THE UGLY PARAMEDIC
Tammie Bullard is a paramedic and casual
lecturer based in Western Australia.
Author of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Paramedic
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EMERGENCY BREAKS
Each edition features a
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to showcase their unique
contribution to the Emergency
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www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to the last edition of the Australian Emergency
Services Magazine for the year.
The battle against fire is still being waged in many areas
of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The
stories of loss, fear and shock have intermingled with
those of bravery, heroism and gratitude from those
who have been battling from the frontlines.
Climate change has become the hot topic of
conversation in the country as a source of blame and
political debate. Former fire chiefs and emergency
leaders around the country have escalated the call
to action for the government to respond to the risks
posed by climate change. For those living on the
frontlines and fighting these fires, climate change is not
a debate, it is something they have been witness to over
many years as they face conditions never seen before.
“In the Spotlight”, this edition features former NSW Fire
Commissioner, Greg Mullins. As one of the 23 fire and
emergency leaders that have formed the Emergency
Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA), Greg is calling for
immediate action and is worried for our country’s future
if we dont face the challenges climate change will bring.
From all the team at the Australian Emergency Services
Magazine, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas
shared with loved ones. May the new year bring some
rain and rest for all who have affected by bushfires.
Emma Parker
Editor
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au
DISCLAIMER
The Australian Emergency Services Magazine
is a community educational resource
publication and does not promote itself
as a charity or fund raising institution, nor
solicit on behalf of charities and is no way
financially supported by or associated with
any government or similar institution.
Distribution of the publication is Bi-Monthly
and is circulated via a database of interested
parties, including business, subscribers,
advertisers, volunteer emergency
organistations, and council libraries. A
print and digital magazine is distributed to a
targeted database in each State & Territory.
Every effort is made to ensure that material
presented in the Australian Emergency
Services Magazine was correct at the time of
printing and is published in good faith, no
responsibility or liability will be accepted by
Boothbook Media.
The views and opinions expressed are
not necessarily those of Boothbook
Media and its employees. The content of
any advertising or promotional material
contained within the Australian Emergency
Services Magazine is not necessarily an
endorsement by Boothbook Media.
Published by Boothbook Media
ABN:72 605 987 031
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WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?
We are always looking for new
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would like to be featured in
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Please submit all articles or
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Articles should be no more than
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Magazine.
3
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

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www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 4

RECENT EVENTS
R U OK? LAUNCHES SUPPORT
FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES
R U OK? has launched ‘Are they
Triple OK?’, a campaign to encourage
stronger peer and social support
for police and emergency services
workers across Australia.
An R U OK? conversation can change
a life which is why representatives
from agencies across Australia have
shared their stories to promote a
simple message: ‘We’re always there
to help. Let’s make sure we help each
other and ask R U OK?’.
‘Are they Triple OK?’ provides practical
resources to build confidence in
starting life-changing conversations
with police and emergency service
workers both at home and in the
workplace.
The campaign has been developed
in response to Beyond Blue’s
nationwide Answering the call study1
which found police and emergency
service personnel report suicidal
thoughts more than twice as often
as adults in the general population.
However, personnel with higher
levels of social support and resilience
reported lower levels of suicidal
thoughts and behaviours.
‘Are they Triple OK?’ will encourage
early intervention by providing police
and emergency service workers
with the skills and tools to begin an
R U OK? conversation. It features
real stories from emergency service
workers from all around the country,
including Police, Fire & Rescue,
Ambulance, SES and Rural Fire
Service and models the life-changing
impact an R U OK? conversation can
have.
CEO, Katherine Newton says R U
OK? is extremely grateful to the
emergency services personnel who
have shared their stories to support
the campaign.
“Each and every one of you is
making a significant contribution
and we share your commitment to
helping your peers navigate life’s ups
and downs, as well as the specific
challenges you encounter on the job.”
At The Rocks Fire Station, NSW
Minister for Police and Emergency
Services, The Hon. David Elliott MP
joined representatives from the
state’s police and emergency services
agencies who have featured in the
campaign.
“This time last year, Beyond Blue
called on agencies to turn the
evidence from its national Answering
the call survey into further action and
lasting change,” said Mr Elliott. “R U
OK? is providing resources to make
that happen.
‘Are they Triple OK?’ will provide
free digital and printable resources
including a conversation guide on
how to ask the question and navigate
the conversation if the answer is,
“No, I’m not OK”. The resources are
designed to foster a supportive work
culture and address the high rates
of self-stigma identified within the
services.
Resources are now available on the
R U OK? website at www.ruok.org.
au and will be regularly refreshed to
address feedback and promote long
term behavioural change.
For support at any time of day or
night, call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
5
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

RECENT EVENTS
SHEDS OF HOPE
Sheds of Hope is an initiative of New
South Welshman Greg Dollin that is
helping those who lost everything in
the 2019 February, September and
October Bushfires in the Tabulam,
Drake, Long Gully and Ewingar area
of NSW.
ESTA’S SPECIAL DELIVERY
Eight Victorian families were reunited
in November with triple zero
operators who helped deliver their
babies.
The event, Special Delivery,
celebrated some of the incredible
stories of babies being born during
calls to the Emergency Services
Telecommunications Authority (ESTA
000).
ESTA’s CEO Marty Smyth said: “ESTA’s
triple zero operators are there to
help Victorians when they need
emergency help in any situation, and
today highlights this.
“Every year ESTA’s operators help
deliver about 100 babies over
the phone, with some deliveries
occurring on the side of the road,
at a bus stop, service station or on
a driveway. Some of our operators
ESTA call-taker, Doone Barrett.
have delivered more than a dozen
babies.
“More than 2.6 million emergency
calls are made to ESTA through the
triple zero service every year and,
while many call on the worst day of
their lives, today we celebrate one of
the best days.
“ESTA operators enjoy every
opportunity to meet the people
they have helped; and families
have told us that the reassurance
our operators provided in those
moments was crucial.”
The Special Delivery included an
appearance by special guest, AFL
Women’s player, media commentator
and midwife, Daisy Pearce, who
said: “Helping to bring babies into
the world is one of life’s amazing
experiences and I look forward to
celebrating that with ESTA’s people
and the families they’ve helped’’.
ESTA’s CEO, Marty Smyth and ESTA call-taker, Michelle Aquilina
Greg and his helpers are building free
sheds to give those left homeless
after the fires a fresh start. The threesided
sheds are small enough to
meet council standards to minimise
red tape and can be assembled in a
few days.
As a Tabulam local and rural fire
service volunteer, Greg started the
program with a group of handy
friends for local residents who lost
everything in the fire. The three-sided
sheds are 6m x 3m and they come
with a 1,000 litre water tank that is
set up to harvest water from the roof.
With the extended fire season
in this area and summer having
commenced, the shed waitlist is
growing longer and the builders need
help. You can donate your skills or
money through the Sheds of Hope
My Cause page by following the link.
mycause.com.au
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 6

RECENT EVENTS
VICTORIA’S LARGEST
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING
FLEET UNVEILED
A record fleet of 50 firefighting
aircraft will hit the skies to defend
lives and property across the state
over the coming months.
Minister for Police and Emergency
Services Lisa Neville and Minister for
Environment and Climate Change
Lily D’Ambrosio joined emergency
services agencies to unveil the 2019-
20 fleet on December 5th at Avalon
Airport, ahead of what will be a busy
fire season.
The record fleet will be critical to
supporting our firefighters, including
the return of two Large Air Tankers
and two Aircranes.
The Large Air Tankers can each carry
up to 15,000 litres of water, foam or
retardant and will be based at Avalon
airport.
The aircranes, which will be based at
Essendon and Moorabbin airports,
can carry up to 7500 litres of water
and are essential in supporting other
aircraft positioned across the state.
The fleet also includes a mix of firebombing
aircraft, air supervision and
air intelligence-gathering aircraft, and
has a surge capacity of up to 100 that
can support the Victorian core fleet
and be called upon when needed.
Victoria will continue to operate
fire-bombing aircraft as immediate
response or pre-determined dispatch
in locations across the state, which
enables aircraft to respond to fires at
the same time as fire trucks.
All available emergency management
staff and agencies are ready to
respond to incidents. Minister for
Police and Emergency Services
Lisa Neville said, “Victoria’s largestever
firefighting fleet will provide
crucial support to our hard-working
crews on the ground this summer,
responding immediately to major
incidents right across the state.”
This includes thousands of our
dedicated volunteer and career
firefighters from across all agencies,
as well as an investment of almost
$100 million in funding for training,
equipment and infrastructure in the
last three years.
Victorians and communities need to
start preparing themselves for the
fire season.
Go to www.vic.gov.au/knowfire to
plan and prepare.
7
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY LAW with Dr Michael Eburn
A DISCUSSION ON
THE LAW THAT
APPLIES TO OR
AFFECTS AUSTRALIA’S
EMERGENCY SERVICES
AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
LEAVING A
PROPERTY OWNER
TO FACE A BUSHFIRE
WON’T BE CRIMINAL
NEGLIGENCE
November 26, 2019
PHD
Barrister
Leading expert in Law
relating to Emergency
Management & Emergency
Services
Follow Michael Eburn
Facebook- facebook.com/
EburnM/
Twitter - @EburnM
For his latest articles on
Emergency Law go to:
www.emergencylaw.wordpress.com
This is an extract from a longer
email chain. I won’t reproduce it all
but I infer that it refers to a fire that
started in October but left a National
Park and threatened private property
on 12 November 2019, during a
declared State of Emergency in NSW
due to bushfires. My correspondent
says:
“The 105000 ha fire started as a
lightning strike, burnt 16 houses locally.
The fire that hit me travelled about
10km in a few hours, no warnings
issued, just vigilant neighbours.
To have a tanker show up, look and run
is not impressive. If they were ordered
out, is it not criminal negligence? There
were 12 houses in the path of the fire
left in the same predicament, left to fend
for themselves.”
The answer to the question ‘If they
were ordered out, is it not criminal
negligence?’ is ‘no’.
For criminal negligence (R v Wells
[2016] NSWDC 169 [33]):
… the Crown [must] prove negligence
of such a high standard that criminal
punishment is appropriate. Negligent
conduct penalised by the criminal
law must evidence such a marked
departure from the standard of care
that the reasonable person would
have exercised, that it merits criminal
punishment.
The diagram below shows the
difference between civil negligence
and criminal negligence
First there has to be a duty of care.
As has been said often on this blog
the fire brigades do not owe a duty of
care to individuals: see
Protecting the local community or following
the IC’s command? (September 24, 2018);
No liability for Yarnell (Arizona, USA) fire
(April 3, 2017);
Arizona State Forestry Division not liable to
homeowners for property lost in the Yarnell
Fire, 2013(May 8, 2015);
ACT Court of Appeal upholds verdict
in favour of NSW over Canberra 2003
bushfires(November 3, 2014);
Queensland Fire and Rescue not liable after
factory fire(October 3, 2014);

NSW RFS village firefighting (April 9, 2014)
Myer Stores Ltd v State Fire
Commission[2012] TASSC 54 (August 24,
2012);
Warragamba Winery Pty Ltd v State of New
South Wales [2012] NSWSC 701(July 19,
2012); and
Michael Eburn, ‘A case study of tort liability
for fire damage’(2007) 22(1) Australian
Journal of Emergency Management 44-48.
If the brigade owed a duty of care to
my correspondent. they would owe
a duty of care to everyone and they
cannot respond to everyone.
Fire brigades have to make decisions
about where to try to stop fires,
where to allocate resources and what
assets to prioritise. Those decisions
may necessarily mean that some
people are left to fend for themselves
or some properties are lost to fire.
Further the fire brigades can even
make decisions to destroy properties
by constructing fire breaks or setting
back burns. That right can be traced
back to Malverer v Spinke (1538)
73 ER 79 and is inconsistent with
the notion that the brigades have
a duty to protect property they are
authorised to destroy.
During the recent NSW fire
emergency it was said (Rachel Rasker,
‘Catastrophic’ fire danger: what
you need to know’ Sydney Morning
Herald (Online) November 11, 2019):
“Some fires may start and spread so
quickly there is little time for a warning,
police say.
There are not enough fire trucks for
every house. If you call for help, you
may not get it.
Do not expect a firetruck, the police
warn. Do not expect a knock on the
door. Do not expect a phone call.”
With warnings like that a person
would be hard pressed to claim that
he or she had a reasonable reliance
that the fire service would come and
protect the property such that this
reliance gave rise to a duty of care.
If there is no duty of care, there
cannot be criminal negligence.
Even if there is a duty of care the
duty is to act reasonably which has
to take into account other competing
obligations (in this case the obligation
to provide fire protection across
the state) and the level of resources
available. A single tanker may
be ordered away from a location
because it is required elsewhere or
because it is too dangerous there
for the crew. Either way that would
not be evidence of negligence and
certainly not evidence of criminal
negligence.
My correspondent says he had
‘50000l in tanks, three fire pumps set
up’ and extensive fire experience. If
that was known to the RFS that may
have been further reason to think
it was reasonable to leave him to
protect his property and divert scarce
resources elsewhere.
Even if it was and houses were lost
it would be necessary to show that
the presence of the tanker and
crew would have made a difference
– almost impossible if the weather
was catastrophic and there were 12
houses to protect.
Conclusion
Fighting Pechey Fires Qld - Image QFES
The question I am answering is
‘To have a tanker show up, look
and run is not impressive. If they
were ordered out, is it not criminal
negligence?’ The answer is ‘no, it is
not criminal negligence’. It would not
be negligence at all.
This article originally appeared on the
blog Australian Emergency Law (https://
emergencylaw.wordpress.com/) and is
reproduced with the permission of the author.
As a blog post it represents the author’s opinion
based on the law at the time it was written.
The blog, or this article, is not legal advice and
cannot be relied upon to determine any person’s
legal position. How the law applies to any
specific situation or event depends on all the
circumstances.
If you need to determine legal rights and
obligations with respect to any event that has
happened, or some action that is proposed,
you must consult a lawyer for advice based on
the particular circumstances. Trade unions,
professional indemnity insurers and community
legal centres can all be a source for initial legal
advice.
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 10

LIVING WITH FIRE AND
FACING OUR FEAR
An essay written by Danielle Clode
Senior Research Fellow in Creative Writing, Flinders University
Author of “A Future in Flames”
It is only mid-November but we
have to walk early to avoid the
heat. A northerly wind picks up
clouds of dust and pollen, sending
dirty billows across the paddocks.
The long limbs of the gum trees
groan overhead. Leaves and twigs
litter the road. We stop to pull a
branch off to the side.
Not even summer yet and already
we are facing our first catastrophic
fire rating of the season. Normally,
I don’t even worry much about fires
until after Xmas. In the southern
states, it is January and February
that are the most dangerous.
We live in the Adelaide Hills and
never schedule holidays away from
home in those months, even though
it is hot and unpleasant. Now I’m
worried we will have to cancel our
pre-Christmas holiday plans. Winter
will be the only time we can leave.
We cross paths with a friend
walking her dog. We share mutual
exclamations about the weather
and the risk and she reminds me
about the neighbourhood fire
group meeting. I should go. I know,
better than most people, just how
important and lifesaving they can
be. But I just don’t want to.
On the weekend, my husband had
made us start the fire pump. It’s
good to make sure it is all working,
but I harbour a vague, irrational
resentment at having to be taught
how to do it every year. I know
why. Mike has all that mechanical
knowledge embedded in his brain
like a primary instinct, but the
information trickles out of mine like
water through sand. I cannot rely
on remembering what to do in an
emergency.
I know my limitations. I’ve attached
a laminated, labelled diagram to the
pump with numbered instructions
on it. Leave nothing to chance. My
daughters are running through the
pump this year too – in case they
find themselves home alone.
Fuel on, throttle on, choke on.
I worry that the pull cord will be too
hard, but my youngest yanks at it
with practised determination and

the pump starts first go.
Choke off, throttle up, water on.
The sprinklers fire up a dull,
thudding rhythm around the
verandah, spraying a mist over
the garden and the cat while Mike
runs through the finer details of
protecting the pump with a cover
and sprinkler in the event of a fire.
I watch the garden soaking up the
unexpected bounty and notice that
some of the plants have gone a bit
leggy. Their undergrowth is woody
with age. I’ll have to cut that back,
prune off the old growth. Some
of them may have to go. Much as
I love Australian plants and their
waterwise habits, I can’t have many
in the garden. Most of them are just
too flammable.
Everything we do here, every
decision we make, is shaped by
fire risk: the garden, the house,
our holidays, our movements,
where we park the cars, our power
and our water supply, even our
telecommunications.
It is relentless. A friend of mine who
went through Ash Wednesday said
she was just tired, after 45 years,
of the constant worry. She wanted
to move somewhere safer. But she
couldn’t bring herself to leave the
bush.
Perhaps it would be easier not to
know the risk, to live in ignorance.
‘Too busy’
My local fire brigade had an
open day a few weeks ago. The
volunteers were busy for days,
cleaning the shed, preparing the
sausage sizzle. Lots of new people
have moved into the area, mostly
from the city, and chances are they
don’t appreciate the risks of living in
a bushfire-prone area.
The brigade put up signs,
distributed flyers and knocked on
doors with invitations. On the open
day, I wander over and ask how
many people have turned up.
“Oh about half a dozen,” says the
captain brightly, before adding,
“Well, maybe four actually. And only
two of those are new.”
Someone asks about a family who
has moved into a property down
the road, a younger couple with
kids and a stay-at-home dad. Would
he be interested in joining the fire
brigade?
“Said he was too busy. Maybe later
when the kids are older.”
There are more and more people
moving into the high risk urban
fringes of our major cities, where
houses mingle with flammable
vegetation. Fewer and fewer people
have the time or inclination to join
their local volunteer fire brigade.
Many of them commute for work.
They think fire-fighting is what
happens when you ring 000. They
don’t seem to realise that outside
of the city, it is every community
for itself. We have to fight our own
fires.
I’m watching the news filled with
images of the fires in New South
Wales. Traumatised householders
stand in front of the twisted
wreckage of their homes. Tumbled
masses of brick and iron are all that
remain of a house full of memories.
“We never expected….”
“I’ve never seen….”
“I never imagined….”
No matter how well prepared
we are for fires, we always
underestimate the scale of the loss
– the photos, the family pets, the
mementos and heirlooms, or simply
the decades of work building a
house, a property, a business.
Looking at the television screen, I
can’t help but notice the blackened
tree trunks next to the ruins of
their homes. I worked for a while in
community safety for the Country
Fire Authority when we lived in
Victoria, researching and writing
reports, and later a book, on how
people respond to bushfires.
I’m well versed in the risk factors
– proximity to native vegetation,
fuel loads, clearance around
houses, house construction and
maintenance and most importantly
of all, human behaviour.
Leaving is not easy
I used to live in a forest too, with
mature eucalypts surrounding my
house. We always knew this was a
risk. We cleared the undergrowth
and removed any “ladders” of
vegetation that could allow ground
fires to climb the trees. We removed
new saplings growing close to the
house.
We did as much as we could to
make our 1970s home fire safe:
installing sprinklers, sealing the
roof, covering all the timber fascias
in metal cladding.
In an average fire, we probably
would have been fine. But when
the Kinglake fires approached from
the north on Black Saturday, I was
no longer sure we would survive. A
last-minute wind change swept the
fire away from our home.
Like many people, in and around
the impact zone, the fires uprooted
us and disconnected us. There were
so many deaths, so many people
and houses gone. And yet so many
are still living in the same risky
buildings, often rebuilt in the same
risky locations. As if we never learn.
We no longer felt so attached to
our home. When the opportunity
to leave arose, we took it. When
we moved to South Australia, we
still wanted to live in the bush,
despite the fire risk. But it seemed
impossible to find a home that had
been built for bushfire safety.
A real estate agent showed me an
elevated timber home that looked
out to the south-west across vast
hectares of native forest. A death
trap if ever there was one.
“Yes,” agreed the agent. “I’ll just
have to find a buyer who doesn’t
mind about that.”
Our new house is built of stone,
steel and iron, with double-glazed
windows and a simple roofline
surrounded by sprinklers and hard
paving. Every crack and crevice is
sealed. And it sits in the middle of
a cleared paddock surrounded by
a low-flammability garden. We look
out over the bushland from a safer
distance.
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 12

When my children were small, I
packed them up and took them into
town on every or total fire ban day.
It was the prevailing advice from fire
authorities. I cannot recall anyone
else who did so – it is too hard, too
disruptive and too inconvenient. And
what do you do with the pets and
horses and sheep? Let alone farms
and businesses whose assets are
practically uninsurable.
Besides, there are so many total fire
ban days and they are getting more
and more frequent. We’d be leaving
for all of summer soon and not
everyone has somewhere safer to go.
My former colleagues at the CFA
confirmed that few people take this
advice to leave on total fire ban days.
When the fire risk categories were
upgraded to include “catastrophic”,
people simply recalibrated their fire
risk range to suit.
Now total fire ban days are everyday,
ordinary events and people only
talk about leaving if the risk is
catastrophic or “code red”. And even
then, few of them do.
That’s why fire agencies continue
to put so much effort into teaching
people how to stay and defend their
homes – because that is where
they are going to end up, no matter
what they are told or what they say.
After the shocking deaths on Black
Saturday, urban politicians thundered
in self-righteous fury.
“Why don’t you just tell people to
leave?”
Like it is that easy.
At the fire pump
Other people’s fates
I’m reminded of the neighbourhood
fire safety programs. These are
groups of neighbours in fire risk areas
who meet up regularly to undertake
training in fire preparation. They run
in several states, such as Community
Fireguard in Victoria, Community Fire
Safe in SA and Community Fire Units
in NSW.
Some of the groups in Victoria have
continued for years, often meeting
annually just before the fire season
to run through their plans and
discuss issues they might be having.
They share advice on how to protect
properties, what to do when things
go wrong, whose house offers the
safest refuge, who is leaving and
who is staying. They establish phone
trees to warn everyone of imminent
dangers and to stay in touch.
I know these programs work. I
surveyed many of the fireguard
groups who survived Black Saturday
and compared them to neighbours
who weren’t in groups.
The active members of fireguard
groups were more likely to defend
their houses. Active members’ houses
were also more likely to survive,
even when they were not defended.
A handful felt their training had not
prepared them for the severity of
the fires they faced. In truth, I don’t
think anyone, not even the most
experienced firefighter, expected the
severity of those fires. But the vast
majority were certain their training
helped, and had saved their lives.
In every group, there are people who
do the work and those who don’t.
There are always neighbours who
are too busy for the training and just
ask for the notes, which they never
read. They want to be on the phone
tree, even though they have not
prepared their property and have
not thought about what they will do
in an emergency. These “inactive”
members do not seem to benefit
from training. Their houses have the
same loss rates as people who aren’t
in fireguard groups.
No matter how much other members
of the group support them and
encourage them, it does not help.
I’ve tried to help before, running a
fireguard group, but I don’t want to
do it again. I don’t want to hold myself
responsible for other people’s fates.
It is enough to take responsibility for
myself and my family.
I remember the fireguard trainers
who blamed themselves, who
were blamed by others, when
Though the worry is constant, many people can’t bring themselves to leave the bush
13
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neighbourhoods they had worked
with suffered deaths and house
losses. They often targeted the
riskiest locations, areas that
were virtually indefensible. Their
information was not always accepted.
Trainers, some of whom had lost
friends, neighbours and houses in
the fires themselves, felt criticised
for advice that had not been given,
and also for advice that had not been
taken. You cannot defend yourself
against such angry grief, particularly
when you are carrying so much of
your own. You just have to listen.
A court of law, which looks only for
someone to blame, is no place to
resolve the complexities of bushfire
tragedies.
I had originally thought, when I wrote
my book about bushfires, that it
would be a simple analysis of the
lessons we had learnt. After the
Black Saturday fires, I had to write a
completely different book. I realised
it wasn’t about lessons learnt (even
though there are many), it was about
our failure to learn from history, our
astonishing capacity to repeat the
mistakes of the past.
Harder and harder to protect
people
“We never expected….”
“I’ve never seen….”
“I never imagined….”
The same things are said after every
A severe burn near Kinglake
fire. Blaming a lack of prescribed
burning in distant parks when we
know that preparation within 100
metres of our own homes is far more
important.
Waiting for an “official” warning, as
an evil-looking, yellow-black cloud
streams overhead and embers land
sizzling in the pool beside you.
Politicians with slick, easy pointscoring
ways that divert attention
from their own policy obstruction.
The hopeful denial that bad things
only happen to other people and
won’t happen to us.
We’ve just experienced the hottest
year on record, and the second
driest year on record. We have lost
rainforests that have not burnt for
millennia and may not recover.
With climate change, fires have
become more frequent across all
the Australian states, and with more
extreme weather events, they are
likely to become even less predictable
and more dangerous.
There is no avoiding the fact that for
the next few decades, we face an
increasingly dangerous environment.
We have more people living in more
dangerous areas, in a worsening
climate. Our volunteer firefighters are
ageing, and local brigades struggle
to entice new members to join. It’s
getting harder and harder to protect
people.
It would be nice if there was a silver
bullet to protect us. If broad-scale
prescribed burning in parks actually
protected houses and lives, or if we
had enough fire trucks and water
bombers to save us all.
It would be great if we had a cohesive
suite of integrated bushfire policies
across states, strong enough to
survive from one generation to the
next. They could include adequate
building standards and access to
materials, effective planning and
development codes, integrated
municipal, state and federal
strategies incorporating education,
health and safety campaigns.
We could create a culture of fireawareness,
rather than panicked
responses to disasters followed by a
long, inevitable slide into apathy and
ennui.
Perhaps one day we will. But in the
meantime, our best protection lies
in our own hands, safeguarding our
own property and making carefully
considered plans in advance as to
how to save our own lives. It is not an
easy path, and one none of us wants
to take. But in the end, we are the
only ones who can do it.
Views expressed are the author’s
own and do not reflect or represent
those of the CFA or any other fire
agency.
This article was first published on
“The Conversation”
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 14

WHEN THE FIRIES
CALL HIM OUT ON
CLIMATE CHANGE,
SCOTT MORRISON
SHOULD LISTEN
Michelle Grattan
Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
When five former fire chiefs
held a news conference
on Thursday to urge the
federal government to take more
action on climate change, it was
a challenging moment for Scott
Morrison.
Those who fronted the cameras
represented a group of 21 men
and two women, who make up the
Emergency Leaders for Climate
Action. These people have led fire
and emergency services all around
the nation.
They’re powerful voices, because
they are advocates with compelling
experience and expertise. The
group’s messages are that we’re
in “a new age of unprecedented
bushfire danger”, climate change is
the key reason why things are getting
worse, and the government needs to
respond with more resources and a
better policy to reduce emissions and
move to clean energy.
The problem is, as group founder
Greg Mullins, former Fire and Rescue
NSW commissioner, put it succinctly,
“this government fundamentally
doesn’t like talking about climate
change”.
The devastating fires are a dramatic
additional element intensifying the
pressure on a government already
increasingly on the back foot over
climate change, as it responds poorly
to a complex set of policy problems.
It’s not that Morrison denies climate
change. It’s that he refuses to
acknowledge it as a central issue,
either because he doesn’t see it as
such or because he fears provoking
his right wingers.
Consider three factors now weighing
on Morrison.
First, in Australia (as internationally)
activism is rising. This should be
broadly defined. Put aside the
Extinction Rebellion, which may
alienate more people than it
persuades. Rather, include in the
definition the many companies now
factoring climate change into their
planning, investment, and public
statements.
Morrison might rail against activists
hitting resource companies
via secondary boycotts, and
commentators might denounce socalled
“woke” behaviour by business.
But the long view indicates a tide is
running here and its direction is clear.
Second, there is a general recognition
the government’s climate policy is
badly wanting. Emissions are rising.
Its modest centrepiece - a fund
paying for projects to reduce or
capture emissions – isn’t doing the
job. The fund’s limitations were tacitly
acknowledged when recently the
government set up a panel which
sought submissions on how it could
be enhanced.
More broadly, the government’s lack
of a coherent energy policy means
continued uncertainty for investors.
Third, Angus Taylor, minister for
energy and emissions reduction,
has frustrated those in the energy
sector and the states. He’s too
confrontational and short on people
skills (in contrast to his predecessor
Josh Frydenberg). His cheap shot
accusing the Sydney City Council of
ludicrous travel costs blew into a
major embarrassment.
Next Friday Taylor will again be under
scrutiny when he meets the states
at the COAG energy council. The last
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meeting, nearly a year ago, turned
into a nasty stoush between Taylor
and the NSW minister.
If Taylor’s performance doesn’t
improve in the next few months
Morrison – who will be the one
eventually carrying the can for policy
failure – surely should move him. It
would be interesting to see how (say)
a Simon Birmingham or a Mathias
Cormann would go in the portfolio.
Better, you’d think.
It was no wonder Morrison wanted to
contain partisan argument while the
fires rage. It’s a reasonable view for a
prime minister to take, with a basis in
past practice, but was also politically
driven.
Morrison has been assisted in this by
Labor, despite the ALP recently voting
in parliament (without success) for a
“climate emergency” to be declared.
Anthony Albanese believed there was
no gain in seeking to score points
during a disaster, and danger in
doing so.
But a moratorium, although mostly
adhered to by Liberal and ALP
federal politicians, was never going to
happen more generally. Indeed some
people, like the retired fire chiefs,
judged this was precisely the moment
to press their point.
It was predictable the Greens would
strike hard; climate is core ground for
them. But that Deputy Prime Minister
Michael McCormack would take the
bait, leaping in to condemn “the
ravings of some pure enlightened
and woke capital city greenies”,
showed a lack of discipline, probably
in part a reflection of the strain the
Nationals leader is under as he tries
to manage a difficult party room.
Some believed McCormack was
playing to his base. If so, he’d only
be talking to part of it, most notably
those with an eye to the coal industry.
Many farmers are very aware, first
hand, of the impact of the changing
climate.
After its election loss, there’s been
much talk about how Labor is caught
between its dual constituencies on
climate – inner city progressives
versus traditional suburban workers.
But the Liberals face their own
dilemma, which could deepen as
the issue amps up in the electorate.
We have seen over many years the
split within the Liberal party, and the
very high costs it has extracted. As
Morrison assesses how to pitch to
voters in the future, he might have to
be careful of straining internal unity.
Over coming months, the fires’ impact
on public opinion will presumably
be measured in the focus groups
through which the government hears
its “quiet Australians”.
More immediately, Morrison won’t
be able to escape a response when
this crisis passes. His moratorium will
make expectations greater.
John Connor was formerly CEO of
the now defunct Climate Institute,
which commissioned from the
CSIRO a 2007 research paper – that
turned out to be prescient - on the
link between climate and bushfires,
titled Bushfire Weather in Southeast
Australia: Recent Trends and
Projected Climate Change Impacts.
Connor, who now heads the Carbon
Market Institute (which describes
itself as a peak industry body for
climate action and business) suggests
the current situation provides the
opportunity for an “armistice” - a
chance to build a platform on the
middle ground for the climate
debate.
One step, Connor says, would be
for the government to establish a
parliamentary inquiry to examine the
growing risk climate change presents
for the fire scene and the resources
required for the future.
“It could be a stepping stone to a
more mature debate about carbon
policy for the broader economy,”
Connor says, although he admits “I’m
a professional optimist”.
The government’s former drought
co-ordinator, Stephen Day, wrote in
his report, finally released last week:
“As a consequence of climate change
drought is likely to be more regular,
longer in duration, and broader in
area”.
What’s striking about Day’s
observation is how matter-of-fact it is.
Climate change is stated as a reality
from which other considerations flow.
The same reality applies to bushfires.
It also applies to the need to move
the economy to a new energy mix
and net zero emissions by 2050.
This article was first published on
“The Conversation”
PERSONAL
PROTECTION TRAINING
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 16

Lets Talk Mental
Health
with Associate Professor
Erin Cotter-Smith
THE VOICE AT THE END OF THE LINE
THE MENTAL HEALTH TOLL FOR AUSTRALIA’S 000 CALL TAKERS
Every day, thousands of pleas
for help pour into the headsets
of our emergency service
call-takers across Australia.
And from the moment the call is
answered, every second counts. One
of the first jobs is to determine the
caller’s location so that emergency
services can be sent quickly. Until
they arrive, it’s up to the call-takers to
give advice where needed – anything
from how to stop bleeding, to how to
do CPR, to delivering a baby.
So what is it like to be the voice at the
end of the line?
They talk callers through what is
often one of the most desperate
experiences of their lives. Yet they
never get to meet those they are
helping and usually never get a
chance to find out what happened to
them after the call has ended.
No training can fully prepare them
for the stress of taking calls from
people in distressing situations. The
mother, who came home to find her
son hanging. The bystander, who just
witnessed an horrific car accident.
Then there are the calls from the
lonely, from those with mental health
issues, or those who just plain abuse
the 000 system.
Each job requires calm advice and
skilled guidance. Social interaction
and debriefing with colleagues
is conducted in half sentences,
severed when a bleep through the
headphones announces a new call.
But the recognition and respect
makes it all worthwhile right? Well,
sometimes! Television shows like
“Emergency Call “, an Australian series
depicting the everyday workings of
the 000 call-centres who manage
calls for ambulance, police and fire
in Victoria, go some way towards
educating the public around the
reality of what it’s like to work in
the high-pressure emergency
call-taking environment. Yet some
call-takers feel somewhat overlooked
and taken for granted when
compared to frontline emergency
service responders who are often
congratulated and lauded for their
hard work saving lives.
Not diminishing the amazing work of
their first responder colleagues – but
who got them there? Who spoke
to the highly distressed, screaming
mother whose four-month-old baby
had just stopped breathing? Call
takers, that’s who! The “first, first
responders”.
Despite the obvious stressors, many
call-takers find the role incredibly
rewarding and fulfilling. I started
my own career as an emergency
ambulance call-taker nearly two
decades ago and found the job to
be one of the most intensely fulfilling
periods of my professional life. It’s
very satisfying to know that you have
helped someone, and there was
always a sense of relief when you
heard the ambulance crew arrive and
know that help had arrived. Although
there were some jobs where you
would wonder what the outcome
was. And then there were the jobs
when the outcome was traumatically
evident.
Almost two years on the job
inoculated me to many situations, but
there are still jobs – voices really –
that stay with me, even to this day.
So perhaps not surprisingly, being on
the receiving end of these emergency
calls takes its toll. But what exactly is
that toll?
17
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Associate Professor
Erin Cotter-Smith
PhD, MPH, MClinEpi
Course Coordinator
Edith Cowan University
Research Consultant
The Code 9 Foundation
A recent review paper
identified that emergency
service call-takers and dispatchers
are at increased risk for developing
mental health challenges like stress,
anxiety, depression and posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD).
Their unique working environment
also puts them at risk for physical
health issues like obesity, headache,
backache, and insomnia. Along with
the stress associated with being on
the receiving end of difficult calls,
call-takers and dispatchers also deal
with the pressure and demand of
following protocol despite dealing
with the variability of complex and
stressful situations. (1)
Studies dating back to the early
1980’s have documented the
stress associated with the role of
an emergency service call-taker
(2-4) with traumatic and abusive
calls being a documented trigger.
(5) Despite not being physically
exposed to the emergency situation,
call-takers experienced the trauma
vicariously, experiencing fear,
helplessness, or horror in reaction
to calls, especially those involving
children, suicide or domestic
violence.
And it appears that the longer we last
in the job, the worse it gets! Veteran
call-takers tend to have the highest
rate of PTSD (6).
Both informal and formal peer
support programs are necessary
to reduce the emotional burden of
emergency service call-taker work.
It’s important to talk – engaging
in storytelling, sharing anecdotes,
and the use of black humour allow
call-takers to open-up, vent, and
debrief, and are important tools for
maintaining resilience in a working
environment which does it’s best to
chip away at it on a regular basis!
And finally – it’s all about work-life
balance. Finding this balance is a vital
protective mental health measure.
Easier said than done? Well let me
leave you with this tip. “The Rule of
4” was created by Heather Yamada-
Hosley to help create balance in her
own life. It’s a simple philosophy
where you keep four concrete,
tangible things in your life that make
you feel happy. This strategy helps
break life down so that you can focus
on your highest priorities. So if you’re
struggling with work-life balance at
the moment, stop. Pause. Reflect on
what makes you happy. Choose four
key things and make sure you keep
them as a focus in your life!
And if you’re an emergency 000 calltaker
and you’re reading this – I wish
you good mental health, you’re doing
a great job!
References
(1) Smith E, Holmes L, Burkle F. (n.d.). Exploring the
physical and mental health challenges associated with
emergency service call-taking and dispatching: A review
of the literature. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 1-6.
doi:10.1017/S1049023X19004990
(2) Doerner WG. Police dispatcher stress. Journal of
Police Science and Administration.1987;15(4):257-261.
(3) Ksionzky S, Mehrabian A. Work settings requiring
continuous rapid judgments and responses to
complex information. Journal of Police Sciences and
Administration. 1986;14(1): 45-48.
(4) McCammon S, Durham TW, Allison EJA, Williamson JE.
Emergency workers’ cognitive appraisal and coping with
traumatic events. J Trauma Stress. 1988;1: 353-372.
(5) Shakespeare-Finch J, Rees A, Armstrong D.
Social support, self-efficacy, trauma and well-being
in emergency medical dispatchers. Soc Indic Res.
2014;123(2):549-565.
(6) Lilly M, Allen CE. Psychological Inflexibility and
Psychopathology in 9-1-1 Telecommunicators. J Trauma
Stress. 2016;28(3).
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 18

WEATHER
A HOT AND DRY
AUSTRALIAN
SUMMER MEANS
HEATWAVES AND
FIRE RISK AHEAD
Much of eastern Australia is likely to be hotter and
drier than average, driven by the same climate
influences that gave us a warmer and drier than
average spring.
But these patterns will break down over summer,
meaning these conditions may ease for some areas
in the second half of the season. Despite this, we’re
still likely to see more fires, heatwaves, and dust
across eastern Australia in the coming months.
What drove the climate in 2019
Our current weather comes in the context of a
changing climate, which is driving a drying trend
across southern Australia and general warming
across the country.
In southern Australia, rain during the April to
October “cool season” is crucial to fill dams and
grow crops and pasture. However, like 17 of the
previous 20 cool seasons, 2019 was well below
average, meaning a dry landscape leading into the
summer months.
The frequency of high temperatures has also
increased at all times of year, with the greatest
increase in spring.
But summer, like spring, will also be influenced
by two other significant climate drivers: a change
in ocean temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and
warm winds above Antarctica pushing our weather
systems north.
Indian Ocean
The first driver is a near-record strong positive
Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). A positive IOD occurs
when warmer than average water develops near
the Horn of Africa, and cooler waters emerge off
Indonesia.
SUMMER IS LIKELY TO START OFF
HOT AND DRY, ACCORDING TO
THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY’S
SUMMER OUTLOOK.
Catherine Ganter
Senior Climatologist
Andrew B. Watkins
Head of Long-range Forecasts
Australian Bureau of Meteorology
This pattern draws moisture towards Africa - where
in recent weeks they have seen flooding and
landslides - and produces higher pressures over
central and southern Australia. This means less rain
for Australia in winter and spring.
Usually the IOD events break down by early
summer, when the monsoon arrives in the
southern hemisphere. However, this year the
monsoon has been very sluggish moving south – in
fact it was the latest retreat on record from India
– and international climate models suggests the
positive IOD may not end until January.
Southern Ocean
The other unusually persistent climate driver is
a negative Southern Annular Mode (SAM), which
means weather systems over the Southern Ocean
- the fronts and lows and wild winds - are further
north than usual. This means more days of westerly
winds for Australia.

In western Tasmania, where those winds are coming
off the ocean, it means cooler and wetter weather. In
contrast, in southeast Queensland and New South Wales,
where westerlies blow across long fetches of land, this air
is dry and hot.
This persistent period of negative SAM in 2019 was
triggered by a sudden warming of the stratosphere above
Antarctica - a rare event identified in early September.
Models suggest the negative SAM will decay in December.
This means the second half of summer is less likely to be
influenced by as many periods of these strong westerlies.
But while both these dry climate drivers are expected to
be gone by midsummer, their legacy will take some time
to fade.
The positive IOD and the dry conditions we have seen in
winter and spring are associated with severe fire seasons
for southeast Australia in the following summer.
And while the drying influences are likely to ease, the
temperature outlook indicates that days are very likely to
remain warmer than average.
We also know that any delay in the monsoon will keep
air drier for longer across Australia, and potentially aid in
heating up the continent.
What about the wet season?
For areas of southern Queensland and northeastern
NSW, the wet season will eventually bring seasonal
rains, although heatwaves are likely to continue through
summer.
So, while the outlook for below average rainfall may ease
over summer months for some areas, the lead-up to
summer means Australia’s landscape is already very dry.
Even a normal summer in the south will mean little easing
of the dry until at least autumn.
With dry and hot conditions looking likely this summer, it’s
important to stay safe, have an emergency plan in place,
look after your friends and neighbours in the hot times,
and always listen to advice from your local emergency
services.
Article first published in ‘The Conversation”
_
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 20

The Spirit of
Giving
Words: Jess Le Fanu

Online not-for-profit
organisation, GIVIT, works
with thousands of charities
and community service providers
across Australia to provide exactly
what is needed when disaster strikes.
2019 has been a devastating year of
destruction and loss in the face of the
natural disasters that have ravaged
the country. For those in the affected
areas, picking up the pieces is a
heartbreaking and daunting reality
that many must face. Since 2009,
GIVIT has seen almost 1.5 million
items donated directly to those in
desperate need. “People want to give
to support the people experiencing
extreme hardship,” said GIVIT
National Manager, Nikki Howson.
GIVIT’s online platform was
initially set up to help Australian
charities communicate their exact
requirements and assist them in
obtaining these necessary items
through donations. The idea was
spawned from seeing charities
overloaded with goods, but still in
dire need of essentials. Now, GIVIT
helps nearly 3,000 charities fulfill their
wish lists and coordinate deliveries
into the hands of clients around the
country.
When the town of Grantham, QLD
was severely damaged by flash
flooding in 2011, there was an
outpouring of love from people
wanting to help their fellow man.
“They received an overwhelming
amount of donations,” said Ms.
Howson.
The problem was that these goods
needed to be stored somewhere
and they weren’t all items of urgent
necessity in the immediate aftermath
of the disaster. Nikki Howson said,
“It was years before they could sort
through all the donations.”
In response to the situation, the
state government turned to GIVIT
for assistance and the organisation
became the official website for
matching donations with recipients
so that charities weren’t inundated
with excess goods. GIVIT’s unique
platform provided a way for the most
necessary and urgently needed items
to be distributed efficiently.
More recently, the town of
Stanthorpe experienced catastrophic
bushfires that consumed properties
through Queensland’s Granite Belt
in September. The most immediate
concern for the fire-affected
residents was access to food as well
as being able to store it safely. GIVIT
stepped in and, using donated funds,
purchased a freezer for the local
neighbourhood centre which set
them up to handle the critical first
weeks when conditions were at their
worst. “It helped build resilience for
the community and they will have
that item going forward,” said Ms.
Howson.
23
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

Unfortunately, many Stanthorpe
residents were forced to relocate
due to the damage to their homes.
For others whose houses were
saved, fires came so close to their
doorsteps that most, if not all, of
their belongings were severely
smoke damaged and in need of
replacement.
With GIVIT’s coordinated way of
handling donations, items such as
sheets, pillows, mattresses, white
goods, beds, clothing and other
essentials were able to be matched
to those who needed them.
“If we aren’t able to find that match,
we can then use the funds to
purchase what is needed,” said Ms.
Howson. Their system ensures that
100% of donated funds are spent on
urgently needed goods unable to be
located through the generous public.
In addition, the funds collected
through the GIVIT organisation are
used to buy items directly from
businesses in the local disasteraffected
area. Ms. Howson said,
“We’re supporting local retailers so
the whole community can recover.”
“We can manage both sides of giving,”
she adds. From a virtual warehouse
of donated belongings to the ability
to purchase specifically needed
goods, the GIVIT organisation acts
as a central pillar to a community in
desperate need of assistance in the
aftermath of disaster.
Visiting the GIVIT website provides an
easy and safe way to contribute funds
or gift an item. The contributions
then remain at the donor’s house
until they are actually needed,
removing the need for organisations
to store and sort through unexpected
handouts. Charities are then able
to login and see a list of everything
available to them and reserve items
they require.
Once a need is successfully matched
to a donation, the GIVIT system
exchanges contact details between
the donor and the charity so that they
can then agree between themselves
on a delivery option. Once the charity
does receive the item, it is privately
passed onto the intended recipient
to preserve the dignity and privacy of
those accessing the support.
Ms. Howson also said that many
people don’t realise the need for
assistance long after the media
coverage ends. In many instances,
it could be several weeks or even
months after a disaster before the
vital donations are actually needed.
She said, “Six weeks down the track,
when someone is relocated into
a new home, they will need the
essential items then.”
“The GIVIT website is the place to
go to see what is in need right now,”
says Ms. Howson. Viewers are able to
filter to specific disaster relief drives
as well see what is needed for other
extremely worthy campaigns, such as
the Kids in Care Appeal. It’s important
for those wanting to donate to keep
checking the website as the list
changes constantly and there are
always various items in need.
The GIVIT organisation provides
much needed assistance to
Australians right around the country
and are currently in talks with the
NSW government to fully establish
their model there as they have done
in Queensland. With numerous
awards under their belt and the full
endorsement of government bodies,
GIVIT has proven themselves as the
most reliable source of exactly what
is needed in the face of disaster
response and recovery.
To find out more, visit givit.org.au to
see how you can help.
Traumatic Stress Clinic
Sydney Australia
()
02 8627 3314
@
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 24

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
PARAMEDIC
Tammie Bullard is a paramedic and casual lecturer based in
Western Australia. Author of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Paramedic - A pain free approach to best patient care and
professionalism.
AMBULANCE DRIVER
OR PARAMEDIC?
As paramedics, whilst we may
take great offence at being
called ambulance drivers,
the question is, when it’s our turn
to drive, what exactly is it that we
are providing? Do we fully engage
in shared patient care with our
attending partner, or do we switch
off so that we can simply drive the
ambulance?
With the first anniversary of
Australian paramedic registration
upon us, we are beginning to
see considerable change in how
paramedics operate within, as well
as how we view, both attending and
driving roles.
For some, this is likely to be
welcomed, but for others, it may
prove an unexpected stressor, as
those “driver mode” days are well and
truly over.
In the prehospital environment,
there’s no doubt about it, someone
has to drive when a patient needs
to be transported to definitive care.
If that someone happens to be a
registered paramedic, however, as
is often the case, it is expected that
their involvement is not limited to
sitting behind the wheel, driving from
one location to another.
AHPRA’s Paramedicine Board
describes us as practitioners
throughout documentation regarding
paramedic registration. This comes
with it several responsibilities and
expectations relating to every
interaction involving patient care.
Whilst working as a paramedic,
our code of conduct within the
professional standards, to which we
have agreed upon submitting our
registration applications, includes
several aspects which apply whether
we are attending, or driving.
Clear and effective communication
with patients, colleagues and other
practitioners is expected at all times,
as well as taking steps to alleviate
any patient symptoms or distress.
Consideration of benefit vs harm
in relation to clinical management
must be maintained, along with
appropriate consultation and shared
decision making, between colleagues,
during treatment of patients. Clear
co-ordination and delegation of
shared care between practitioners,
as well as the responsibility to
collaborate in order to mitigate
potential risk to patients. (1)
With this in mind, our professional
autonomy, integrity and reputation
must remain at the fore throughout
every call we attend, no matter which
seat we occupy in the ambulance.
Now, more than ever, teamwork is a
must.
Through various aspects of
prehospital training, whether it’s
in-house or via tertiary education,
the provision of high quality health
care is based around effective
communication and teamwork. It
is widely known that collaboration
between practitioners improves
patient outcomes, reduces medical
errors and enhances patient
satisfaction.(2,3) Any failure within a
team dynamic not only compromises
patient care, but can create tension,
negatively affect the environment
we’re working in and undoubtedly
cause distress to each practitioner
involved.(3,4)
In addition, with societal knowledge
(and therefore expectation) of our
roles increasing, the likelihood
of more complicated complaints
begins to rise. Paramedic behaviours
and perceived levels of care are
becoming an area of focus in other
jurisdictions, not just the success
or failure of clinical decisions
undertaken. Examples such as
delays in communication with family
members and failing to ease the
emotional stress of patients feature
heavily. The psychological pressure,
therefore, involved in coming up
with appropriate solutions to patient
care in stressful, unpredictable and
ever changing prehospital situations
intensifies.(5)
25
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

None of us want, or need, the extra
stress this creates, nor do we want to
risk patient safety, therefore how do
we begin to balance out both roles
without stepping on a partner’s toes?
Five key aspects of teamwork may
help to keep us on track towards best
patient care, safe practices, efficiency,
professional management of the
scene and overall satisfaction of
everyone involved in each call.
1. Deliver (and accept when in a
secondary role) a leadership style
that co-ordinates and plans with
a conversational, collaborative
approach between both paramedics.
(4,6)
Not only can this provide clarity and
establish what needs to be done,
it may ensure that with minimal
additional effort, patients, family
members and others on scene feel
well informed and continuously
reassured.
2. Mutually monitor each other’s
performance to detect and avoid task
overload, as well as prevent lapses in
care. (4,6)
Without questioning or criticising,
both primary and secondary roles
can help to keep each other on track
and maintain a working environment
that is supportive. Sharing
information and updates both on
scene and during transport may
ensure that no individual feels alone
in a pressurised situation.
3. Backup positive behaviours and
provide supportive actions within
shared care. (4,6)
Assisting by setting up for
interventions, gaining history from
and providing reassurance to
family members, and using body
language or expression to support
explanations our partner is giving,
highlights a strong, patient focussed
team. Not only is this likely to
bolster the primary paramedic’s
confidence in stressful situations, it
may be pivotal in demonstrating the
professional, cohesive and efficient
nature of a paramedic team to each
person present.
4. Create a truly team based
approach by sharing ideas, taking the
perspectives of both paramedics into
account. (4,6)
As the primary paramedic, verbalising
a plan of action and requesting
feedback is integral to involving a
crewmate. Whilst this may prove
challenging, dependent upon
individual personalities, it may be the
only way to ensure that a secondary
paramedic agrees with what needs
to be done. For best patient care and
avoidance of risk, error or complaint,
no matter how difficult it seems, it’s
imperative that we find a way. In
addition, if we are responsible for
a trainee, or unregistered partner,
ensuring that we know what’s going
on at all times is the only way that we
can keep our own registration intact.
5. Be adaptable, with both
practitioners willing and able to
ensure that changing conditions and
situations are not only prepared for,
but dealt with effectively. (4,6)
Working together continuously
and maintaining vigilance, whilst
attending, driving or anything in
between, may ensure that any
change in situation is recognised.
The next time we feel frustrated at
being called “ambulance drivers”
perhaps we ask ourselves an
important question. When it’s our
turn to drive, are we giving our
absolute best as the secondary
paramedic within a professional,
patient centred team, on
every single call?
References:
1. Paramedicine Board AHPRA (2018). Code of conduct (interim).
https://www.paramedicineboard.gov.au/Professional-standards/
Codes-guidelines-and-policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx
2. Bhatt, J. & Swick, M. (2017). Focusing on teamwork and
communication to improve patient safety. American Hospital
Association. https://www.aha.org/news/blog/2017-03-15-focusingteamwork-and-communication-improve-patient-safety
3. Freytag, J., Stroben, F., Hautz, W. W., Eisenmann, D. & Kämmer, J.
E. (2017). Improving patient safety through better teamwork: how
effective are different methods of simulation debriefing? Protocol
for a pragmatic, prospective and randomised study. BMJ Journals, 7
(6). https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/6/e015977
4. Weller, J., Boyd, M. & Cumin, D. (2012). Teams, tribes and patient
safety: overcoming barriers to effective teamwork in healthcare.
Postgraduate Medical Journal, 90 (1061). https://pmj.bmj.com/
content/90/1061/149
5. Austin, Z., van der Gaag, A., Gallagher, A., Jago, R., Banks, S.,
Lucas, G. & Zasada, M. (2018). Understanding complaints to
regulators about paramedics in the UK and social workers in
England: findings from a multi-method study. Journal of Medical
Regulation, 104 (3) 19-28.
6. Patterson, P. D., Weaver, M. D. & Hostler, D. (2017). Human
factors and ergonomics of prehospital emergency care. Teams and
teamwork in emergency medical services. CRC Press, Boca Raton.
To see more about “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Paramedic”, head to
www.gbuparamedic.com or follow GBU Paramedic on social media
@gbuparamedic
@gbuparamedic
@gbuparamedic
Tammie Bullard

The Therapy
of Fish
THE REELING VETERANS -
SAVING VETERANS ONE FISH
AT A TIME

The suicide rate for veterans
in this country is more than
double the national average.
Yes, read that again, double
the national average, with male
veterans under 30 being at greatest
risk. The number of suicides that
have been reported are estimated to
be much higher, however, between
the years of 2001 and 2016, 373
veterans took their lives. This tragic
loss of life amongst our veterans is
at crisis level and has prompted calls
for a Royal Commission into veteran
suicide. it is painfully obvious that the
care, support and services for our
ex-servicemen and women are not
meeting the complex needs of our
veterans.
One organisation that is dedicated to
addressing this epidemic is Reeling
Veterans – Fishing for Therapy,
located in Darwin in the Northern
Territory. Founded and run by
Michael Hurren, a veteran who
suffers from PTSD himself, Reeling
Veterans has a very simple idea at its
core, fishing as a form of therapy.
Michael served in the army for 10
years, after two deployments to
Afghanistan he returned home
suffering the symptoms of PTSD and
actively sought help and treatment.
In his search for treatment he
found that there was a lack of real
and ongoing support for veterans
suffering mental illness.
Michael’s personal battle with PTSD
and the experience of losing mates
to suicide were the driving forces
behind the birth of Reeling Veterans.
Michael found the best form of
therapy for him was occurring out
on the boat, throwing in a line and
finding support amongst mates. He
figured if this was helping him, it
could help others too.
Since its inception in 2017, Reeling
Veterans has gone from strength
to strength and has helped many
veterans through the very simple
therapy of fishing. PTSD manifests
itself in many different ways and each
case is very specific to the type of
trauma that has been experienced.
Many sufferers feel overwhelmed
and may have withdrawn from
those around them, finding it hard
to leave the house or participate in
daily activities. Michael has created
and encourages a relaxed, easygoing
environment that welcomes
everyone.
Fishing as a form of therapy has
struck a chord with many veterans
around the country and it’s easy to
see why. The complete immersion
in nature, the peace of throwing a
line in the water and chatting to a
mate are all activities that are relaxing
and restorative. Reeling Veterans
have people from all over Australia
travelling to the Northern Territory to
take part in their regular fishing trips
and experience this open and easy
going form of therapy.
Most recently, as part of Veterans
Health Week, Reeling Veterans took
19 veterans out to the Tiwi Islands for
a four day fishing trip. The beautiful
Tiwi Islands, located 90km north of
Darwin, are known for world class
fishing and are fittingly referred to as
the ‘Island of Smiles’.

After many months of planning, the
crew headed out in the early hours of
the morning of the 24th of October
into the blue azure waters of the
Northern Territory. Out of the 19
veterans on board, 3 had attempted
suicide in the past few months.
The trip was an opportunity for
these veterans to take time out,
make some new friends, catch a
few fish and if they wanted to, open
up about their own battle. It isn’t a
requirement to talk about what you
have been through or experienced,
however Michael says the relaxed
nature of the environment and being
with people who have a shared
experience and background tends to
allow people to feel safe to do so.
Clockwise from
the top:
The mothership
- Sea Eagle; The
blue waters of
the Tiwi’s; Plenty
of big fish were
caught; Heading
out for the day;
The Reeling
Veterans boat;
The smile only
a big barra can
bring.
The testimonials from the veterans
who went on the trip are full of
gratitude for the experience. For
many the trip was life changing and
provided a much-needed respite
from the personal struggles at home.
Time spent with like-minded people
out in the open air was a reminder
that there is life to be lived. The
opportunity to put the worries of
everyday life aside, put themselves
out of their comfort zone and form
strong bonds was priceless.
The same sense of comraderie and

safety that many veterans have
found amongst new friends on the
water, with a fishing rod in their
hands, is the same on land. Reeling
Veterans recognises that the people
who support those suffering are in
need of support too. The partners,
family and friends of veterans are all
welcome at the Reeling Veterans. It
is all about community supporting
community. Fundraising events
provide opportunities for members
to get together and the group runs
monthly catch ups at the Darwin
Trailer Boat Club, information nights
and regular fishing. They also have
a private group on their Facebook
page where veterans can go to find
information or a mate to fish with.
Placing the issue of mental illness
and suicide amongst veterans on the
national agenda is of key importance
for the organisation. Finding as many
opportunities to spread the word and
provide support for veterans is the
objective behind all that they do. In
light of this, they have secured a spot
in one of Australia’s best all female
fishing competitions next year called
‘Girls Gone Fishing’. The competition
will be held in April on the Daly River
in the Northern Territory. Reeling
Veterans are sending a team of
women to the event to help promote
the importance of mental health and
ending the stigma that goes with it.
The four day fishing trips run by
Reeling Veterans are heavily reliant
on fundraising efforts and local
business sponsorship. The veterans
that go along are completely catered
for, from accommodation through
to food and fishing gear. If you don’t
live in the NT, the only thing you need
to pay for is your travel to Darwin.
Michael and his team will look after
the rest.
In addition to the fishing trips run
by Reeling Veterans, Dhipirri Barra
and Sportsfishing lodge in Arnhem
Land have partnered up to run
four additional, all inclusive trips
per year. They also have some
fantastic sponsorship from Formosa
Boats, Quality Marine, Dunbier
trailers, Suzuki Marine and Nautilus
Insurance. Without this much
needed sponsorship Reeling Veterans
would not be able to provide the life
changing support to the veterans
they count amongst their members
and future members.
Funding is such a critical issue in
terms of providing support and
services for veterans suffering from
PTSD. The Reeling Veterans are a
registered charity and as such all
donations are tax deductible. If you
are able to support this incredible
organisation in the work they do to
prevent veteran suicide, head to their
website to donate. To find out more
about upcoming events or contact
details head to:
www.reelingveterans.com.au or their
Facebook page

A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE
DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE SOFT.
IT MEANS YOU’RE HUMAN.
Put your hand up for help.
The sooner you do, the sooner you get better.
PO LICE ASS O CIAT
IO N
O F
S O U TH
I A
AUST RA L

THE GIFT OF LIFE
A Perth St John Ambulance paramedic has unwittingly become the face of blood
donation in Western Australia, encouraging others to give the gift of life too.
Wes Ackerman’s inspirational story is featured in an
eight-part television series, Giving Life, currently airing
on Channel 9. Giving Life is a fly-on-the-wall look at
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood which is informing and
inspiring a new generation of life-saving donors.
Wes is a regular blood donor and always makes sure to
donate on 10 October. “It’s a celebration of being alive
and it’s me giving back,” Wes said. “I have taken blood
so I just want to give back so I can help others that need
blood.”
On the morning of Monday 10 October 2016, Wes and
his colleagues were at the St John’s ambulance base in
Serpentine, south of Perth, when a non-urgent call came
in. It was shortly before Wes was due to finish his night
shift.
Wes jumped in the passenger seat while a fellow
paramedic got behind the wheel and they set off to
answer the call.
Just minutes into the trip, a Nissan 4WD coming the other
way crossed to the wrong side of the road, colliding with
Wes and his colleague head on in a ferocious crash.
The ambulance was crushed.
The paramedic who was driving miraculously escaped
with minor injuries but Wes was in a bad way. Paramedic
colleagues, police and a rescue helicopter rushed to the
scene.
Wes was in a critical condition suffering serious injuries,
later to be catalogued as a lacerated liver, spleen and
bowel; a severed urethra; spinal fractures in his neck
and lower back; a broken jaw; multiple leg fractures; a
collapsed lung; a broken toe; and torn shoulder ligaments.
A passenger in the Nissan received minor injuries. The
driver, who was high on meth and later jailed for 18
months, escaped without injury.
Wes was flown to Royal Perth Hospital where the father of
three underwent extensive surgeries. He was in a coma
for two weeks and stayed in hospital, that first time, for a
month. He says it was certainly touch and go for a while.
“I lost a lot of blood on scene and if it wasn’t for the
units of blood that I received, I probably would not have
survived.”

The skill of Wes’s emergency
services colleagues and the medical
staff at Royal Perth Hospital, the
support of his family, and his sheer
determination saw Wes eventually
recover and return to work on light
duties just six months later, and
working as a paramedic just a couple
of months after that.
Also critical to Wes’s remarkable
recovery was the 39 units of blood
he received in those life or death
moments in the aftermath of the
crash, including on board the rescue
helicopter. Red cell, plasma and
platelet transfusions, all donated by
generous strangers who gave just
because they could and it seemed
like the right and generous thing to
do.
While only two per cent of all donated
blood is used in trauma situations,
patients often require a high volume
like Wes did.
with gratitude toward everyone who
helped her husband live and recover.
“I think everyone that was there was
like a God send because everyone
that was there needed to be there to
get him to where he needed to be,”
Odile said.
“It couldn’t have been easy seeing
one of their own there.”
The first responder paramedics later
received awards for their heroism.
“He needed blood; I believe that
if there wasn’t any blood there he
probably wouldn’t have been here
because I think when they took him
out of the ambulance he crashed.”
Odile has a message for donors
across Australia.
“Thank you, you don’t know actually
what your blood has done, it saved
my husband’s life basically.”
To donate, please go to lifeblood.
com.au or call 13 14 95. You don’t
know whose life you will be saving.
Giving Life is currently showing on
Channel 9 and is available on catch
up. Check local guides for details.
In an emergency when medical staff
don’t know the patient’s blood type,
O Negative blood, as the universal
blood type, is administered. Only
nine percent of the population is O
Negative, making it one of the rarer
blood types, however its versatility
means it makes up 17 per cent of the
blood ordered by hospitals.
What was left of the ambulance after the crash - Twitter/Rebecca Johns
The team that rescued Wes recieving Community Hero Awards - Facebook/St John WA
Wes said, once he had recovered,
that act of generosity, having the
blood products waiting to save his
life, was quite overwhelming.
“Blood is life. I mean you need blood
to live and it carries your oxygen
around, it feeds oxygen to your brain,
to your vital organs so without blood
you can’t live so it’s very important.”
Wes’s wife Odile is overwhelmed
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au 34

STAY SAFE THIS
SEASON
Lifesavers flag beach safety after record season

Key figures released by Surf
Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ)
have highlighted a significant
spike in drownings across the state
last year, along with a record increase
in beach crowds, rescues, and
preventative actions performed.
According to SLSQ’s recent 2019
Coast Safe Report, more than 21
million people visited Queensland
beaches in 2018/19, up from 19.7
million people the year before.
During the same period of time, surf
lifesavers and lifeguards combined
to perform an incredible 716,215
preventative actions, treat 65,133
first aid patients, and rescue 3,894
swimmers in distress.
This represents a dramatic increase
in patrol activity when compared
to 2017/18, including a two per
cent growth in preventative actions,
an 84.7 per cent surge in first aid
treatments, and a 35.9 per cent spike
in the number of rescues performed.
A review of patrol data from across
2018/19 shows males accounted for
58 per cent of rescues performed
while, alarmingly, more than 80
per cent of total rescues occurred
outside of the red and yellow flags.
“The number of rescues we
performed in 2018/19 increased by
over a thousand when compared
to the previous year, which is a
significant jump in the scheme of
things,” said SLSQ lifesaving services
manager Peta Lawlor.
“Unfortunately, our data shows there
are still quite a few rescues being
performed outside of the flags,
which obviously remains an ongoing
concern, and that’s something we’ll
continue to address moving forward.
“It’s important for people to recognise
there’s an element of risk involved in
every single rescue our surf lifesavers
or lifeguards perform, and that risk
is magnified substantially whenever
they’re forced to venture outside of
the designated patrolling area to help
someone in distress,” she said.
Tragically, the 2019 Coast Safe
Report also identified a substantial
increase in the number of beachrelated
drowning deaths recorded on
Queensland beaches.
In total, there were 21 suspected
drowning deaths in 2018/19, up from
seven the year before, making it the
single worst year on record since
SLSQ began tracking coastal data and
fatalities.
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37
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

Males accounted for the vast majority
of drowning deaths last season, with
only three females amongst the 21
victims.
The data also highlights that people
from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds continue to
be a particularly ‘high risk’ group
on Queensland beaches, with
international travellers and migrants
accounting for 48 per cent of
drowning deaths.
Sadly, the vast majority of the
drownings occurred at unpatrolled
beaches and/or outside of
designated patrol hours. Seven
occurred at locations more than
three kilometres from the nearest
lifesaving or lifeguard service, and a
further 12 occurred less than 500
metres from the nearest patrolled
beach.
“As far as we’re concerned, even
one drowning is one too many, so
for 21 people to lose their lives on
Queensland beaches last season is
nothing short of a tragedy,” Ms Lawlor
said.
“Our vision as an organisation is ‘Zero
preventable deaths in Queensland
public waters’ and that’s obviously
something we’re continuing to work
towards and strive for.
“One of the most heartbreaking
things is just how many of those
drowning deaths could have
potentially been avoided if people
had taken a little bit of extra time to
find and swim at a patrolled location.
“We’ll continue to focus on boosting
our existing services, but it highlights
an ongoing need to engage with, and
educate, beachgoers about where
and how they can swim safely. If
we can get people to change their
attitudes and behaviours towards
beach safety, then it will make the
job of our patrolling lifesavers and
lifeguards that much easier.”
The 2018/19 year also marked
a notable increase in the age of
drowning victims, with a clear shift
towards an older demographic. In
total, 12 of the 21 victims were males
aged over 50.
“If you look back over years gone by,
it’s been younger males who have
been most at-risk on Queensland
beaches, but over the past 12
months there’s been a very clear and
definitive shift towards an older age
group,” Ms Lawlor said.
“We’ll use this data to help shape
our key drowning-prevention and
educational strategies moving
forward.”
The new figures come as surf
lifesavers and lifeguards across the
state, and country, prepare for an
influx of domestic and international
beachgoers across the peak
Christmas school holiday period.
“The summer period is obviously one
of the busiest times of the year for
our patrols on the beach, and we’re
expecting large crowds once again
this year,” Ms Lawlor said.
“We’ll be rolling out extended patrol
hours and other key initiatives to
help support our surf lifesavers and
lifeguards, protect all beachgoers,
and ensure that everyone can enjoy
our beautiful coastline safely,” she
said.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In each edition the Australian Emergency Services Magazine will feature
a profile on a person, team, partnership, squad or unit to showcase their
unique contribution to the emergency services industry. If you would like to
be featured or know someone who deserves some recognition get in touch
with our team.
At the early age of 12, Greg
Mullins experienced his first
significant bushfire from a
firefighter’s perspective. Living with
his parents in the Northern Sydney
suburb of Terrey Hills, he recalled
the 1971 event in a recent interview
with ABC News saying, “I went down
with dad with his old Hillman Hunter,
wet sacks and some rakes, facing off
10-metre-high flames.” He adds, “And
I was hooked.”
The son of a firefighter, it was no
surprise Greg starting training in
the same profession straight after
high school. Post-graduation, he
was initially stationed with the
Manly brigade before moving
onto Crows Nest and then the City
of Sydney crew. He quickly rose
through the ranks and, in 1996,
became the youngest ever assistant
commissioner. More accolades
followed with the appointment to
Director of State Operations in 2000
and then Commissioner of Fire &
Rescue NSW in 2003.
Throughout his impressive 39 years
in the emergency services industry,
Greg Mullins took on numerous
roles. He served as President, Vice
President and Board Chair of the
Australasian Fire & Emergency
Service Authorities’ Council, Deputy
Chair of the NSW State Emergency
Management Committee, Australian
Director of the International Fire
Chiefs Association of Asia, NSW
representative on the Australian
Emergency Management Committee,
Australian representative on
the UN’s International Search &
Rescue Advisory Committee, and
as a member of the NSW Bushfire
Coordinating Committee.
Former NSW fire chief Greg Mullins assesses damage from the Kincade Fire in northern California. Image: ABC News: John Mees
GREG MULLINS
An internationally recognised expert in responding to major bushfires and
natural disasters, Greg Mullins is focused on the linkages between climate
change and extreme weather events in order to help safeguard Australia’s
future.
Greg’s passionate involvement in
emergency services also saw him
spread his wings into international
endeavours. During a Churchill
Fellowship in 1995, he worked
with bushfire fighting authorities
in the USA, Canada, France, and
Spain and between 2001-02, Mr.
Mullins attended the US National
Fire Academy. He also represented
Australian emergency services at
many international forums, including
an invitation in 2004 to address the
International Fire Science Conference
in Ireland on the impacts of climate
change on emergency services.
39
www.ausemergencyservices.com.au

In January of 2017, Greg Mullins
retired as the Commissioner of Fire &
Rescue NSW with a remarkable list of
accomplishments under his belt. Over
the 13 years he held the position,
he coordinated responses to many
major natural disasters, implemented
laws making it mandatory for homes
to be fitted with fire alarms, and
focused on increasing the number of
women firefighters.
When Greg became a firefighter in
1978, only men were allowed on
the frontline. It wasn’t until 1985
that the first four women joined the
New South Wales Fire Brigade. Only
one month before his retirement
as commissioner, he was proud to
witness the last graduating class of
firefighters for 2016 consist of an
equal number of men and women.
Though retired from the top job, this
didn’t mean an exit from the industry
for Mr. Mullins. After stepping down
as commissioner, he rejoined the
volunteer bushfire brigade where
he started in 1972 and continues to
volunteer as a bush regenerator. In
addition, he is currently Chair of the
NSW Ambulance Service Advisory
Board and a very active member of
the Climate Council.
getting simultaneous fire seasons.
“States are having to resource their
own fires while other states are
screaming out for help and there’ll be
times when each state says, you’re on
your own.”
The ELCA letter currently in
Parliament’s hands seeks to spur
on government action in regards to
ensuring Australia’s preparedness
for the evident increases in natural
disaster risks. A focal point of the
document features the dire need for
Australian emergency services to be
adequately resourced and equipped
to be able to handle this escalation.
The suggestion of procuring muchneeded
national assets, such as large
firefighting aircraft, makes mention
of the prohibitive expense of these
crafts on local governments.
The other major points emphasised
to Scott Morrison were the urgent
need to reduce emissions and the
necessity of increased resources
related to forestry, national parks,
and fire services. The burning of coal,
oil, and gas were cited as the main
driver of climate change and the
catalyst responsible for worsening
the extreme weather events affecting
the nation. In preparation to handle
these exacerbated circumstances,
ELCA called on State and Territory
Governments to back the need
for environmentally sensitive
fuel reduction and fire mitigation
programs as well as ensuring new
budgets accounted for what they
called “our new normal.”
This year has seen thousands
of hectares of Australian land
desecrated by unprecedented
bushfires and emergency services
organisations pushed to their limits
in an attempt to keep Australian lives
safe. With an impressive expanse of
experience and knowledge within
the emergency services industry,
Greg Mullins proves to be an integral
asset to the development of national
strategies that could help protect
Australia’s future.
Author: Jess Le Fanu
Aerial view from space of ecological fire disaster in Australia; 3D Illustration: Shutterstock
It’s Greg’s work on the Climate
Council and the Emergency Leaders
for Climate Action (ELCA) that have
thrust him into the spotlight recently.
As one of the 23 former Fire and
Emergency Leaders that make up the
ELCA group, Mr. Mullins is focusing
his time on creating awareness about
the effects of climate change on the
landscape of our nation.
ELCA recently sent a letter to the
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison,
calling for stronger action on climate
change. The document highlights
how the nation is unprepared for the
worsening extreme weather and this
inaction is subsequently threatening
Australian lives and overwhelming
emergency services.
Greg Mullins told the Australian
Associated Press in September,
“What’s becoming difficult is the
whole paradigm of strategic
firefighting in Australia - it was
predicated on progressive fire
seasons.”
“As we saw last year and now, we’re

TRAVEL
EMERGENCY
Breaks
Words: Brooke Turnbull
When you spend your working life putting other people before
yourself in all situations, it’s important to put yourself first when you
can. So it’s time to check in!
Whether you’re into spending your days off with as much adventure
as your working life has, or if you’re into more of a sedate minibreak,
we know that you’ll find something to love. Each issue we’ll
take you to a new destination suggestion for you to explore because
sometimes you just need to hit the emergency brakes.
Kiama walk - Kendalls Beach
Opposite lower image: Berry - Drawing Room rocks view

Location:
When it comes to adventure and
relaxation, look no further than
where the mountains meet the sea in
the South Coast of New South Wales.
Kiama and Berry are situated about 2
hours south of Sydney, with Kiama at
the coast and Berry about 30 minutes
inland. These two small towns offer
so much that you’ll have no shortage
of things to do and see when you
visit.
Things to do:
Kiama has plenty of coastal walks to
hold your attention, but if you want
to maximise your walking tour we
recommend the full coastal walk from
Minnamurra River to Gerringong.
You’ll walk through stunning vistas of
both rolling emerald green hills, as
well as crystal clear beaches. If you
go between May and July, you may
even see the telltale white caps that
spell the migration of the whales,
and you’ll have the perfect viewing
from the Minnamurra whale watching
platform.
The full walk is about 20 kilometres
and will take you approximately
6-7 hours to complete, so we
recommend taking lots of water and
snacks.
For lunch, we can’t go past the
prawns and local seafood on the
Kiama Harbour front. Breathe in the
invigorating sea air and fill up on the
freshest seafood you could ask for,
often just caught that morning.
If you don’t see yourself hiking for the
full day, the mid section of the walk
from the Kiama Blowhole to Loves
Bay (that takes in the mini blowhole
as well) is the one we’d recommend.
This will take you about 1.5 hours
to complete and walks you through
some of the most spectacular
beaches in Australia.
After you’ve eaten your fill of prawns,
and taken in the natural sites, stroll
through the Kiama township. Make
sure you stop at one of the three
ice creameries, for delicious creamy
ice cream made from milk from the
surrounding dairy farms.
Kiama could take you a full week to
explore, but while you’re there we
highly recommend shooting over to
Berry for a walk around one of the
oldest towns in Australia. Established
in 1822, Berry is brimming with
antique and boutique shops to
explore and find treasures in.
If you’re up for a hike, you can’t go
past the Drawing Room Rocks hike
at sun-rise. Watching the fog roll
over the mountain tops to clear
away and leave you gasping at the
view all the way back to the ocean
is an experience you’re not likely to
forget. On your way out of town, stop
at the Berry Pie Shop for a flaky pie
or pastry made fresh every day, and
don’t forget to visit the Treat Factory
for some sweet treats for the drive
back to Sydney.
Places to Stay:
Kiama and Berry offer a multitude
of AirBNB’s within the two towns,
depending on if you’d prefer coastal
or bushland settings for your break.
If you’re travelling in a group, the
spacious and stunning Kiama Retreat
on AirBNB is a great pick. If there’s
only you, or a couple there are plenty
of other cozy options within both
towns.
For a break with class the Sebel
Kiama Harbourside hotel is perfect.
For $186 per night in low season it’s
on the pricey side, but you will be
spoilt.
For a little more mainstream, we’d
highly recommend Kendalls on the
Beach Holiday Park or Surf Beach
Holiday Park. With plenty of different
options, from unpowered tent sites
to 3 bedroom cabins overlooking
the water, there’s an option for
everyone’s budget and taste.
For an authentic Berry experience,
look no further than The Berry Inn.
Beautifully renovated rooms, with
a country feel and free Wifi, the Inn
offers all the creature comforts while
still feeling like you’re on holiday.
With prices starting from $150 a
night in low season, it’s an affordable
and gorgeous place to stay while on
holiday in one of the most stunning
parts of Australia.
So there you have it. A small section
of South Coast New South Wales for
you to think about on your next trip.
Between hiking, shopping, swimming,
and exploring the surrounds of
Kiama, Berry and Minnamurra,
you’ll go back to work feeling brand
new and ready to plan your next
Emergency Break.
Gerringong
Minnamurra River - kayak trip
Mt Alex Reserve bush walk near Berry

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)
To contact the police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, call
Triple Zero (000) from any telephone in Australia. Calls are free.
When to call Triple Zero (000)
You should only call Triple Zero (000) in life
threatening or time critical situations when
an urgent response is required from police,
fire or ambulance.
What will happen when I call
Triple Zero (000)?
The operator will ask you which emergency
service you require—police, fire or ambulance
—and will connect you. The operator may also
ask where you are calling from.
What if I have difficulty speaking English?
If you have difficulty speaking English, you
can ask for an interpreter once you have been
transferred to the emergency service you
requested. You will not have to pay for the
interpreter.
When you call Triple Zero (000), stay calm,
stay on the line and clearly answer the
operator’s questions.
www.triplezero.gov.au

Get
storm
ready.
Storms can strike at any time, that’s why it’s important
to always be prepared.
Prepare your home
Stay safe while driving
Trim trees and branches close to your house
Secure loose items in your backyard
Clear gutters, downpipes and drains
Get your roof checked for damage or corrosion
Make sure all shades, sails and awnings are
properly fitted
Get your insurance up-to-date
Always follow flood warning signs
Never drive through flood water
Shelter vehicles under cover, not under trees
Avoid driving when a storm is coming
Get your insurance up-to-date
Helpful hints:
You can ask the council or energy
company to check trees on your street
that may pose a threat to your property or
powerlines.
Even if you’ve cleared your gutters
recently, they can soon fill up with leaves
and other debris, especially after a
downpour. On average you should check
they’re clear every couple of weeks.
If you don’t already know your neighbours,
go and introduce yourself. They might
need a hand getting storm ready. Plus,
when bad weather strikes it’s important to
be able to tell the SES who lives nearby.
Make sure everyone in your household
knows what to do in severe weather.
For tips on developing a house
emergency plan use the SES guide at
www.stormwise.com.au
If you do need help during a severe storm, call the Queensland State Emergency Service on 132 500
Principal Partner
G018213 11/16

ARE THEY
TRIPLE OK?
We’re always there to help.
Let’s make sure we help each other and ask R U OK?
ruok.org.au/triple-ok