The District 11 Team
District 11 senior volunteer leaders and staff gathered in Bairnsdale to work on their relationships and communication.
The busy 2019-20 bushfire season coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic have created a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relationships; not only between volunteers and staff but among the whole District 11 team.
The district was significantly impacted by bushfires in 2019-20, with more than 50 per cent of the district’s footprint burnt.
The workshop was held at the Bairnsdale RSL Club on Sunday 6 March and facilitated by fellow Gippslander Jenny O’Sullivan.
Topics covered included building solid teams, managing conflict, effective communication and barriers to communication.
Those who attended also did a personality type exercise to better identify how their communication styles differed and how each style interacted with one another.
The lunchtime guest speaker was Bianca Bassett, a Lakes Entrance Fire Brigade member. Bianca told the group about her journey of amputation, living with a disability and the need for personal resilience.
The District 11 team will continue to build on their working relationships over the coming months. Strong relationships between CFA volunteers and staff are one of the most critical things required for CFA to protect lives and property.
| Submitted by |
Andy Oldroyd |