Bogong Group annual training exercise

 

Bogong Group in the north-east held its annual group training exercise on Sunday 6 November in bright sunny weather, which was a welcome change from the rainy conditions.

 

After a previous postponement due to wet, boggy conditions, Bogong Group Officer David Box was extremely pleased that 56 volunteers from all but three of the group's 14 brigades attended this training exercise.

Understandably, Falls Creek Fire Brigade members couldn't attend because the Bogong High Plains Road was closed following a landslide.

The past couple of years have been quiet and volunteers were a bit rusty. They all looked forward to freshening their skills as well as learning new ones.

The exercise was a four round robin format comprising pump relay, clandestine lab, advanced pumping and road rescue.

Mt Beauty Road Rescue members demonstrated a steep angle rescue, which they have used several times at car accidents over the winter snow season. These volunteers are very experienced. They train every week, rotating monthly between road rescue, wildfire, structure and ropes.

This was a great opportunity for other brigade members go through the techniques used by Mt Beauty without the pressure of a real turnout.

Distict 24 Commander Carl Stibilj introduced the 'clandestine laboratory'. This new experience was well received by the volunteers. Carl explained what to look out for when responding to a suspected premises.

The event was also a great opportunity for the volunteers to catch up with mates and meet new members,.

Yackandandah township residents who were out for coffee and sunshine were treated to the spectacle of trucks driving from exercise to exercise around the town, providing a reassuring presence.   

Feedback from all who attended was very positive and everyone agreed it was worth giving up a sunny Sunday to prepare for the summer period. Lunch may have been an incentive as it was ‘Gum Tree Pies’ all round.

On a sad note, the group also paid tribute to the passing of former Group Officer Ron Leary. Ron, the founding group officer, recently passed away after battling a longstanding illness.

 

Submitted by	April Padbury