One week down...many more to go!

Friday 13th Feb 2009

 

Probably not a great day to be blogging....it being Friday the 13th and all!

 

I am absolutely exhausted. Trying to get back into the swing of working full time has been difficult. 0630hrs wake up, 0730 briefing with 1700 end to the working day =(

 

I had some time on Tuesday to drop past the Central RECC (regional emergency coordination centre) for VICSES. They were busy answering phones and updating the incident management system with the task forces being deployed to various regions to assist in the bush fire relief. I was given the pleasure of chatting to them and seeing how they were handling the events that had unfolded over the past few days. They seemed in good spirits and were keeping each other company throughout their shifts. Most distracting were the 4 plasma screens showing various news channels and their coverage of the fires. Something i dont think i could handle watching 8 hrs a day.

 

Below are photos of the VICSES Central region staff in action at the RECC

 

 

 

Regional Officers- Emergency Management Peter Stanley (left) & Lance Jennison

 

 

 

 

I just want to say that everyone is doing a fab job. I think that with every tragedy there are many opportunities presented. People affected by the bushfires and have lost their homes have the opportunity to make a difference to future generations, but rebuilding green. Young people need to rise to the challenge and help influence government and local businesses to support rebuilding green initiatives. Premier John Bumby has been all over the news talking about climate change and how it is contributing to an increase in extreme weather events....lets hope that this message continues to spread and triggers nation change to how we rebuild....smarter, not quicker!

 

On another note, i have been working madly to try and organise availability rosters for members at my Unit. It was an experience to have been deployed to assist in the set up of a staging area BEFORE the fires began. The people you meet, the lessons you learn and the experiences you gain are unique and i am EXTREMELY proud to be able to pass the opportunity onto the members at the Footscray Unit. We have so far sent a number of members to Yarra Glen, Warrigul and Whittlesea with a deployment of 6 Footscray members headed to Healesville Staging Area and another 4 members to Diamond Valley Relief Centre next week.

 

I think during these times we have to all remember that its not just those volunteers who are deployed that are making a difference and providing support. Those members who are holding the fort back home are also actively supporting the relief efforts.....there are still members needed back home to ensure that their local communities are still recieving the same FANTASTIC support that they always get from volunteers. Please remember that....dont forget those who are supporting from afar!

 

Lots of love to all those here and out there supporting and doing what they do best.

 

Ruby x

 

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