Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Inc

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Inc (VFBV), ABN 11083080403RR0001, is a non-profit association that serves as the unified voice for volunteers of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria, Australia. Established under the Country Fire Authority Act (1958), VFBV provides representation for CFA volunteers on matters affecting their welfare and efficiency[3][4].

Purpose and Activities

The organization was formally established on October 14, 2002, with its statement of purposes being incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act on October 16, 2002[5]. VFBV's main objectives include:

• Serving as a unified voice for volunteer fire brigades and regional councils in Victoria.
• Promoting the interests of CFA volunteers and providing a consultative mechanism for the CFA to engage with its volunteer members.
• Advocating for the rights and responsibilities of CFA volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Charter.
• Developing policies that protect the welfare and interests of volunteer members and promoting these policies to the CFA.
• Offering support services such as legal assistance, occupational health and safety, equity and diversity, counseling, welfare, training, employment support, and compensation for accidents, injuries, and illnesses[5].

Vision and Role

VFBV envisions "Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria"[2]. The organization plays a crucial role in driving policy development based on volunteer input and managing issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers. It ensures that the three-way commitment outlined in the Volunteer Charter is fully applied by the CFA, the State of Victoria, and CFA volunteers[1].

Activities and Operations

During each financial year, VFBV focuses on activities that align with its mission, including policy development and advocacy on behalf of CFA volunteers. It works with the CFA Board and Management, as well as other stakeholders, to influence matters that impact the welfare and efficiency of volunteers[1][2]. VFBV also supports its members in furthering the organization's purposes and takes other actions as determined by its Board[5].

Membership and Structure

Membership comprises volunteer fire brigades registered by the CFA under the Country Fire Authority Act. The organization operates under a non-profit model, committed to enhancing volunteerism and community resilience across Victoria[3][4].

[1] https://cavfa.com.au/member-associations/volunteer-fire-brigades-of-victoria/ [2] https://www.vfbv.com.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/de8cf203-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/de8cf203-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/de7866df-45c8-e811-a964-000d3ad24077 [5] https://www.vfbv.com.au/index.php/links/itemlist/category/3-about