Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan
May 29, 2017

The State Government is seeking feedback on a new strategy to support its Rural Fire Brigade and SES networks amid growing concerns they could disintegrate due to a lack of new volunteers.

The QFES Volunteerism Strategy, launched on Monday by Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan, hopes to build on the organisation’s commitment to its volunteers so they can continue to help communities respond to natural disasters.

Mr Ryan said a discussion paper would provide QFES volunteers, staff and stakeholders with an opportunity to have their say and shape the blueprint for the future to 2025.

“QFES is one of the largest volunteering organisations in Queensland, with a volunteer workforce of more than 42,000 people across the state, who are ready to support their communities when they are needed the most,” Mr Ryan said.

“These volunteers work tirelessly to protect people, property and the environment through the delivery of emergency services, awareness and education programs, and incident response.”

However, Mr Ryan said challenges such as an ageing population, a time-poor society, digital distraction and competing priorities, meant providing an ongoing emergency volunteer service was becoming increasingly difficult.

“This has highlighted the need to explore more flexible strategies to ensure we have the systems in place to attract, retain and support our volunteers, both now and in the future,” he said.

“The Volunteerism Strategy discussion paper is Queensland’s chance to have a conversation about how to implement a sustainable volunteer model that meets the needs of communities into the future.

“I have also ensured members of the Government’s Volunteers Advisory Forum are also aware of this strategy, and will be discussing it further in our next meeting.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said volunteers were a key component in creating community resilience, and the new strategy aimed to ensure the organisation continued to keep Queenslanders safe.

“Our dedicated volunteer workforce comprises 36,000 Rural Fire Service volunteers and 6000 SES members, as well as research, scientific and technical rescue volunteers,” Ms Carroll said.

“We need to ensure we are well positioned to meet the needs and the expectations of the community both now and into the future.

“It is therefore critical our people feel valued, respected, empowered and integral to our service.”

The QFES Volunteerism Strategy discussion paper is available online


 

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