In South Australia, the Country Fire Service is made up of groups of trained volunteer fire fighters.

Some of these are trained in first aid, paramedics, search and rescue, etc.

They attend, not only fire emergencies, but are called in by the police to road accidents. They are also called in by the R.S.P.C.A. (Royal Society for the Protection from Cruelty of Animals) when animals are injured, trapped or require other help.

I may be incorrect in some details, but based on information provided to me , I understand and believe there is very little funding available from the Federal Government or State Governments to support CFS (or their name sakes in other states) in their work.

Most state governments do provide some limited funding.

Government policies in recent years, has resulted in severe funding cuts to the Country Fire Service.

In South Australia, funding is provided via a tax or levy on motor registration.

This levy is also used to cover other services as e.g. police, metropolitan fire services and possibly ambulance services might also be included.

The greatest bulk of the funding is spent in the metropolitan areas for, i.e. infra-structure, paid workers, administration and resources of the metropolitan areas, where employees are paid workers.

The structure of the Country Fire Services is designed around and comprises of volunteer workers, i.e.. these workers are not paid fire fighters.

Subsequently any state government funds they receive are usually in the nature of a small grant.

Therefore, this means the major sources of CFS income to fund purchases of resources and equipment comes through the community members own fund raising efforts.

An interesting observation to be noted. The backbone of support comes from the same people who are often the least financial and the most vulnerable people in our society regarding sources of personal income.

We have governments trying to reduce financial support to these people while at the same time granting themselves massive pay, superannuation and fringe benefit increases.

It appears to me that the politicians supposed to be representing the people are mainly concerned with increasing their salaries, pensions and superannuation payouts at the cost of the taxpayer.

Public perception likens them to pigs burying their snouts deeper and deeper in the trough to make sure they get everything possible for themselves and "blow" their constituents.

As you can see Prof gets rather annoyed with politicians when he see such self serving among them and he makes no apology for it. At the same time, let me make it quite clear that the comment does not apply to every politician.

However there are sufficient who deserve it to have made it clear to the general public. I have yet to see any of them refuse a pay rise, which is usually percentage-wise well above what is offered to the working community.

Politicians argue they are not paid sufficient for the work they do or the family inconvenience they suffer. They claim that if you pay peanuts then you can only afford monkey performance.

It seems to me that these days we are paying huge amounts of tax payer money and still getting monkey performance.

Their manners, behaviour and performance in Parliament leave much to be desired. We would be horrified if our children behaved in such a manner. Rather than addressing the issues it seems to me that bullying and belittlement is the name of the game.

While many of farmers in the past few years may have had an almost nil or extremely reduced income support, other people in the community such as the unemployed and low income earners within the community also provide valuable support to their community.

It seems a sad reflection on our times, where the almighty dollar is revered and rules so much that governments give little consideration or support to country areas, which are still the backbone of our society.

They have cut funding to local government, health, hospitals and schools in the country.

People must travel further to get any service. It also has meant that many people are unable to receive the benefit of any type of services, because they may not have transport to the larger towns from their townships and villages.

Country railways have been closed and bus services, (what bus service?) are very sparse and infrequent.

When such critical organisations are now finding it difficult to attract government support, it seems time for a re-think of the policies of the economic rationalist government and economists.

Sadly, because of this policy of economic rationalism, country areas are seeing more and more reductions or withdrawal of such community services as schools, hospitals, doctors, transport, telephone and other services.

Country people are becoming more and more isolated from their city cousins.

Therefore, it is with great admiration we see dedicated volunteers within country communities, with limited resources, spending considerable time and effort building a community asset, such as the branches of the fire service.

These volunteers can be credited with building a valuable service second to none.

They work with little recognition from government. Even from the metropolitan people there is little support, unless there is a potential national fire disaster then they get a brief mention.

I guess some of this lack of support or understanding is because city people don't have to worry so much about emergencies.� They can just get on the telephone and ring a paid service to come to their aid. They do not need to make any contribution as it all comes from the taxpayer.

The damage to our rural areas and our national economy each year, runs possibly into millions, especially when one calculates the flow-on effect of the loss of stock, fencing, buildings and homes, apart from the loss of life.

Frequently, country individuals, make personal contributions by donating resources to the services themselves, from their own limited income.

Rural income is very low and has been so for quite a few years.

Country people have to be a strong breed, supremely hardy, independent and optimistic.

Their philosophy of ..."today we had bush fires......" "Oh well...... "tomorrow will be better...."

Tomorrow brought floods.... "Oh well the next year will prove a bonanza..."

The next year brings a fall in rural product prices on the state, interstate and global markets... "Oh well tomorrow the prices will be better....."

Without that special strength of character and optimism, we would not have any rural population.

Regardless of what or how the city sometimes thinks of its country cousins, it is the country cousin who feeds the world, including them.

These examples show the independence and dedication of these isolated communities, working together to provide services to their own community. Self-help shown at its best.

They don't expect "handouts" but are appreciative when they do receive any support.

Personally, I would hate to think of the level of tragedies that would occur in country areas and the economic loss to the country, but for the commitment of these bands of dedicated community supporters.

It is most important, and I again reiterate this comment, it is important to remember this kind of support is 24 hours per day, especially during the "fire" season.

No-one in the country thinks 24 hour "on call" is something out of the ordinary.

They readily accept the responsibility because they know it might be their neighbour today but it could very well be their place tomorrow.

HONOUR BOARD

�

I became involved in the design and making of the Honour Board through of our middle son.

He rang and said "Dad, I have a job for you. The local CFS wants to erect an Honour Board to commemorate the 50 year period of the CFS here.

"Mmmmhh, a pay job or a love job", was my question:)

"Welll!!!. Dad, it is for a good course. I told them you would be happy to make it for them."

I laughed and said OK:)

I guess he is a reflection of his country upbringing. He and his siblings grew up on a farming property we owned. Our views and principles still reflect the country spirit and an attitude of self help.

There never was a doubt Dad would not be happy to contribute:)

I just hope the result meets their approval.

I hope, later, to include details of its construction. Not with a view that many would make such a project but that the process of making it, in itself, may be of interest to someone else.

However the time and effort I put in it would not make it viable as a commercial project, lol.

This is the advantage of being retired and doing a job voluntarily.

The time and effort is whatever you wish to put in.

I enjoyed every minute making it, including the sanding and polishing of the 20 odd coats of Estapol to bring it to a finish, most people would not think possible with a paint-brush; with a spray-gun and less coats of paint, possibly yes. :)

Read other issues concerning community interests by clicking on the following link.

COMMUNITY ISSUES.

�

�

Click on the graphic to vote for this
page as a Starting Point Hot Site

�