SOUTH AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION (SAVFBA)

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VIRTUES OF A
CFS VOLUNTEER

The eight-pointed star is the traditional insignia of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), formerly known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS).

RootCFS Insignia.jpg RootEFS Logo.jpg

The star is not unique to the CFS as it is recognised by fire services all over the world.

It is otherwise referred to as the Cross of Saint John which originally emerged from the Maltese Cross.

Used by the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades in Jerusalem, the points on the Maltese Cross represented eight different virtues of Knighthood:

•    Tact
•    Loyalty
•    Dexterity
•    Observation
•    Sympathy
•    Explicitness
•    Gallantry
•    Perseverance

Over time, firefighters have adopted these same virtues bringing about a commonality between fire services all over the world.

In most cases the only difference between fire service insignias is the centrepiece, which is specific to the organisation.

The CFS Star is seen on the official uniform worn by volunteers and staff.

However, the CFS also has a corporate logo, which represents the State in Australia in which it serves and is displayed on all vehicles and infrastructure.


RootCFS state.jpg

Women of the CFS Minimize

 

Equity and Diversity withinin CFS Volunteer Ranks

This was formerly the Women of the CFS (WoCFS) Committee, which was was formed in 1995 with the aim of increasing the participation of women within the CFS in operations, operations support and auxillary, but NOT through affirmative action.

The CFSVA now wants to focus on all minority groupings within CFS, with an empahasis on youth, people from other ethnic backgrounds including indigenous volunteers,  people with disabilities who still can participate, and of course women. 

The Association is currently developing a recruitment campaign with an equity and diversity focus, concentrating in the first instance on CFS Regions 4 and 6. We have produced a series of community servcie announcements using our best asset, the men and women of the CFS. Filmed in Jamestown, Stirling North, Cummins, Port Lincoln and Belair brigades, these 30 second advertisements will be shown on Southern Cross Television  towards the end of July, in time for brigades gearing up for the next fire danger season.

Another equity and diversity initiative is aimed at young volunteers. The Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) will this year hold its annual conference in Adelaide from September 1 - 3 inclusive. The CFSVA will fund seven young people from around the State to attend this very worthwhile event. Young people can nominate by contacting the State Office on 8244 6500 or by email admin@cfsva.org.au, sending a one page resume of their work and CFS background, and where they would like to be in the future with CFS.

 

WoCFS Networking and Support

Ladies

Photo by Brenton Ragless

 

The WoCFS Committee organised events such as state and regional conferences and workshops. These events were open to both male and female members of the CFS.

WoCFS continues to act as a support network for female CFS Volunteers. For more information or assistance contact Pip McGowan on 8390 3442 or at pip@chariot.net.au.

 
      

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