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Page 1
On other pages this week:
Batchelor Division News
Members’ corner
Driving Course
Litchfield Rural Response
Tennant Tales
Positions Vacant
Victorian Public Duties
Coming events
Training Calendar 2012
More Training
Weekly Newsletter of St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Thursday 08 March 2012
Gwyn Balch 08 8922 6205
Volunteer Coordinator
Frank Dunstan 0429 886751
Newsletter editor
St John websites
St John Ambulance Australia (NT)
www.stjohnnt.org.au
St John Ambulance Australia
Members’ website
www.stjohn.org.au
Order of St John
www.orderofstjohn.org
Contact Gwyn to subscribe to this
newsletter
Please send contributions to
Frank or Gwyn
Closing time (with Frank)
8.00 pm CST Thursday
Poinciana – Flame Tree Flowers during build-up
Photo: Training night and social barbeque with FERG Batchelor St John : Bruce (Supt), Sharon, Boog, Linda, Kasey, Scott, Ros, Chrissie,
Mo, Jan, Sean and Kylie
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 2
Batchelor Division News – Jan Powick
Recruitment Drive
In November last year, Emergency Services in
Batchelor held a combined community meeting to
increase membership. Both St John and FERG (Fire
and Emergency Services) were struggling with less
than a handful of members each. The response was
tremendous and both organisations have now
increased their membership to a viable number. In
fact, some volunteers have joined both organisations.
It’ s obvious that many locals see the need for an
ambulance and fire and emergency services in the
region and are prepared to volunteer their time to
ensure these services continue.
Working Together
It is important to build strong bonds between the two
groups and where possible we are organising joint
training. In February, Christine Turner delivered Apply
First Aid to 16 new recruits (8 FERG and 6 St John).
Also in February we had a joint barbeque after
training. We intend to have joint functions every 2
months. Extracting casualties from vehicles is one
topic that both groups can work together on.
Ambulance Driver Training
At the moment there are only 2 members on roster
to drive the ambulance for local emergencies. Some
new recruits are primarily interested in being an
ambulance driver and this in itself will enable the
Batchelor Ambulance to be more available. Late last
year Craig Garraway came down with Mark Ferguson
and Martin Scaife and ran two ambulance driving
lessons with both old and new recruits. This is to
continue this year. Two members are also enrolled in
the 2 week ambulance driver training to be held in
March.
Jan Powick
Members’ corner
Simon Spillett
Hi everyone
I came across this keepsake while I was looking for
something else and thought it was time to share
these words of wisdom once more.
Dulcie is a very close friend of a friend of mine. This is
an excerpt from her book, the title escapes my mind
at the moment and I can't find the book. I must have
loaned it to someone to read.
Cheers from Ros Jones
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 3
Driving Course – Benny Butler
Special thanks once again to Craig Garraway and Fleet
Vehicle Maintenance Manager for St John, Mark
O’Shaughnessy for giving their time to the volunteers
on the driving course. It has to be mentioned that
Mark is currently on holidays and gave his time freely
to assist in the training activity. Thank you Mark, we
really appreciated your assistance.
Despite the thunderstorm off in the distance the
evening’s outdoor driving activity went ahead. In the
Top End it’s just another night and the training must
go on. The course required members to start the
vehicle, checks lights, indicators, engine, instruments,
oils and lubricants and tyre changing.
The members all broke into groups of 5 and went to
three work stations and completed checks on three
ambulances. In addition to the vehicle checks the
members also were taught how to change a tyre on
an ambulance.
It was amazing to see Superintendent Angie and
others under the ambulance using the jack to raise
the vehicle while others assisted changing the tyre.
It was a brilliant night’s activity starting at about
6.30pm and finishing at 9pm. It was pleasing to see
that the 14 members all attended for the second night
of the course.
Well done everybody.
Benny Butler
Quote of the week:
It seems to me that people have vast potential. Most people can do extraordinary things if they have the
confidence or take the risks. Yet most people don't. They sit in front of the telly and treat life as if it goes on
forever.
Philip Adams
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 4
Litchfield Rural Response Division – Barbara Klessa
Litchfield Rural Response Division welcomed another new
member, Khim Mills, on Tuesday evening.
Members were also presented with the Adrenalin Autoinjector
Course by Barb Klessa. Next week we are making a big journey
into town to visit EMD. We are very lucky to have EMD operator,
Robyn Wilson, as a member and we are looking forward to being
shown around the Peter McAulay Centre.
Tennant Tales – Alan Caust
It was one late afternoon in Tennant Creek and earlier
I had been south of Tennant Creek rescuing of all
people a nurse whom we carried after a motorcycle
accident out bush along a sandy creek bed with her
boyfriend - gosh that is hard work on a stretcher!
That was ok. I got back home and stored my huge
ambulance in the driveway as I was "on-call". I can't
remember the model, but she was a Ford and you
could walk around in the interior patient cabin – most
definitely customised - I have the pics.
Twenty minutes later the phone went again - an
unconscious collapse at the Three Ways Roadhouse
some 25 kilometres from Tennant Creek. Gosh - here
we go again. I did not realise I must have picked up
debris after my last trip out bush under my vehicle. I
picked up my volunteer crew - one whom I later
married whom is a nurse - and took
off in a hurry under urgent red lights and sirens
heading to the roadhouse.
On arrival I did everything necessary and headed back
to Tennant Creek hospital...I will never forget this!!
It was just going on dusk as I backed the ambulance
into our undercover casualty area and upon getting
out of the ambulance noticed flickering lights
underneath. It was then I realised why people as I
entered the town under red lights and sirens were
waving and gesticulating - we must have looked like a
damn rocket as flames were most certainly pouring
out from underneath the vehicle.
In two minutes I had my crew literally "dump" the
stretcher out onto the concrete "just get the poor guy
inside guys" and drove the ambulance away from the
hospital calling on the radio for emergency support.
Once I was out on the road I grabbed the fire-
extinguisher that I had forgotten how to jolly use! I
had to re-read the damn instructions! I am no fire-
fighter as you know!
I got it going within a couple of minutes - fearing for
my life if the duel fuel tanks went up! I saved that
ambulance - but best of all - we saved that life! An
ambulance can be replaced and our wonderful
volunteer firies arrived
after my frantic call over the radio. They did the rest. I
was not skilled in that sort of thing. It wasn't my job.
It is important that we realise and recognise the worth
of voluntary support especially within ambulance and
fire-fighting. We need to my mind work hand in hand
in so many ways. I still recall a night when I became
scared for my little family - Tennant Creek was literally
surrounded by huge - and I mean huge - bush-fires. I
am not over exaggerating - it was damn serious. Those
wonderful volunteer fire-fighters were out there with
their fire trucks - I could see their flashing red lights in
the distance as I had taken my small family along with
many other families to a safe hill. It was frightening
and terrifying. But I knew those guys were out there
risking their lives doing what I am not trained to do.
But I honour them for their courage, their training -
and you know what – they saved our Town that long
night!
Khim, Anthony & Axl
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 5
Vacancy Orders Operations Branch
Northern Territory Headquarters
Position Vacant
29th February, 2012 02/12
TERRITORY STAFF OFFICER
REGIONAL TRAINING OFFICER (NORTHERN)
GRADE III
General Description:
The Regional Training Officer (Adult) works with the Territory Officer - Training, other Regional Training Officers
and Divisional Training Officers to develop training programs and resources. The Regional Training Officer keeps
the Territory Officer Training up to date on divisional training needs and progress within the adult divisions in their
region. Regional Training Officers assist the Divisional Training Officers and Superintendents to put effective
training programs in place and track the performance of the training against the goals. The areas of training will
include, but are not limited to, First Aid, Ambulance and/or Nursing skills, OH&S training, vehicle training and HR
topics such as management training, child protection and anti-harassment policies.
To Applicants for Promotion:
Please submit:
1. A copy of OB2
2. Evidence of current years service 3. A copy of any Management Training Course Certificates 4. A letter to support application
Direct all applications to: Volunteer Coordinator
Attention of Commissioner
Operations Branch
Casuarina Ambulance Centre
Email: [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Friday 16th March, 2012
Please Note
1. The successful applicant must be a current member of Operations Branch 2. A duty statement is available from the Volunteer Office.
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
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Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 7
Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to be sent the full 3-page document.
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 8
Coming events for 2012
When What Where Web
March
Sat 24 NT Local Council
Elections
Everywhere http://notes.nt.gov.au/nteo/
Electorl.nsf?OpenDatabase
April
Fri 20 – Sun 22 Australian Superbike
Championships
Hidden Valley www.asbk.com.au/
Wed 25 Anzac Day Various www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/
Thu 26 Mindil Markets opening Mindil Beach www.mindil.com.au/event
May
Fri 4 – Mon 7 Daly Waters Rodeo Daly Waters www.dalywaters.net.au/
Sat 5 Darwin May Day Rodeo Robbie Robbins Reserve www.prorodeo.asn.au/calendar.htm
Mon 7 Alice Springs Cup Alice Springs Turf Club www.alicespringsturfclub.org.au/96-.html
Fri 18 – Sun 20 Freds Pass Rural Show Freds Pass Reserve www.fredspass.org/
Thu 24
5 – 7 PM
Investiture &
Graduation Ceremony
Government House,
Darwin
www.stjohnnt.org.au/
Sat 26 BASSINTHEGRASS Darwin Amphitheatre www.bassinthegrass.com.au/
June
Fri 1 – Mon 3 Merrepen Arts Festival Daly River www.merrepenfestival.com.au/
Fri 8 – Mon 11 Barunga Cultural &
Sports Festival
Barunga www.barungafestival.com.au/
Sat 9 – Sun 10 Greek Glenti Bicentennial Park Darwin http://en.travelnt.com/search/product-
detail.aspx?product_id=9001455
Sat 9 – Sun 10 Adelaide River Show ARSS Showgrounds www.arss.org.au/adelaide-river-show
Sat 9 – Mon 11 Finke Desert Race Alice Springs http://finkedesertrace.com.au/
Thu 21 – Sun 24 Brunette Downs Races Brunette Downs Station http://en.travelnt.com/search/product-
detail.aspx?product_id=9000393
Fri 15 – Sun 17 V8 Supercars Hidden Valley http://darwin.v8supercars.com.au/
July
Sunday 1 Territory Day All centres
Fri 6 – Sat 7 Alice Springs Show Alice Springs http://www.alice-springs.com.au/
Fri 13 – Sat 14 Tennant & District Show Tennant Creek http://www.ntshows.org.au/2-
Calendar.html
Sat 14 Camel Cup Alice Springs http://www.camelcup.com.au/
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 9
Sun 15 Beercan Regatta Mindil Beach, Darwin http://www.beercanregatta.org.au/
Fri 20 – Sat 21 Katherine Show Katherine http://katherineshow.org.au/
Thu 26 – Sat 28 Royal Darwin Show Winnellie Showgrounds http://www.darwinshow.com.au/
TBA Lingalonga Festival Batchelor http://www.lingalonga.org/
August
Sat 4 – Mon 6 Harts Range Bush Sports
Weekend
Harts Range Racecourse http://www.hartsrangeraces.org.au/
Mon 6 Darwin Cup Fannie Bay Racecourse http://www.darwinturfclub.org.au/
Territory Day website:
http://www.dcm.nt.gov.au/strong_service_delivery/supporting_government/official_symbols_and_protocol/territory_day
St John Ambulance Australia (NT)
First Aid Services Training Calendar 2012
(By calendar)
Revised 30 Jan 2012
Date Course Location March 3 - 4 17-18 17
Certificate IV TAE (Weekend 1) Certificate IV TAE (Weekend 4) FRR Sign Off (2102)
Casuarina Alice Springs Casuarina
April 1 7 14 28 – 29
Advanced Responder Assessments (Darwin) First Responder Accreditation Trainer’s PD Workshop Advanced Responder (Theory)
Casuarina Palmerston Palmerston Casuarina
May 5 -6
Certificate IV TAE (Weekend 2)
Casuarina
June Nil
July Nil
August Nil
September 15
Trainer’s PD Workshop
Alice Springs
October 6 13 – 14 19 - 21
FRR Sign Off Certificate IV TAE (Weekend 3) Apply Advanced First Aid
Palmerston Casuarina Parap
November 2 – 4 10 – 11 November 24 – 25
Apply Advanced First Aid MDP 4 Certificate IV TAE (Weekend 4)
Alice Springs Casuarina Casuarina
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 10
St John Ambulance Australia (NT)
First Aid Services Training Calendar 2012
(By course)
Revised 30 Jan 2012
Course Location Date Trainer/s Apply First Aid
Palmerston Alice Springs
As required As required
Chris Turner Chris Turner
Apply Advanced First Aid
Parap 19-21 October 2012 Christine Turner or Stephen van Gerwen
Alice Springs 2-4 November 2012 Christine Turner or Stephen van Gerwen
Nhulunbuy TBA Geoff Lohmeyer
Katherine TBA Geoff Lohmeyer
First Responder Accreditation
Palmerston 7 April 2012 Stephen van Gerwen Christine Turner Geoff Lohmeyer
FRR Sign Off
Casuarina Palmerston
17 March 2012 6 October 2012
Stephen van Gerwen Christine Turner Geoff Lohmeyer
Advanced Responder Accreditation (Theory weekend)
Casuarina 28/29 April 2012 Christine Turner Stephen van Gerwen
Advanced Responder Accreditation (Assessments)
Casuarina 1 April 2012 Stephen van Gerwen Christine Turner
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Alice Springs Katherine Casuarina
18/19 February 2012 (3) 17/18 March 2012 (4) Weekends TBA 3 & 4 March 5 & 6 May 13 & 14 October 24 & 25 November
Stephen van Gerwen Stephen van Gerwen Stephen van Gerwen
Management Development Program
Alice Springs Darwin
TBA if required 28/29 January 2012 10/11 November 2012
Kelly Raven Peter LeCornu
Trainer Professional Development Workshop
Darwin Alice Springs
14 April 2012 15 September
Stephen van Gerwen Stephen van Gerwen
Medications Course As Required As Required Designated Trainers
Child Protection Training As Required As Required Kelly Raven
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 11
Apply First Aid
When: Friday 6th April, 2012 (Good Friday)
Where: Palmerston Volunteer Centre
Time: 0815 - 1630
Pre-requisites – Workbook to be completed
Workbooks will need to be collected from the Volunteer Office and completed prior to course.
Nominations and TA17 due by 30th March,2012.
Lunch, Morning and Afternoon teas will be provided
All Nominations must go through your Superintendent.
ALL ENQUIRIES TO:
Volunteer Office
Ph 89226234
Apply Advanced First Aid
When: Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th April, 2012
Where: Casuarina Centre, Training Hall 3
Time: Friday 1800 - 2200
Saturday 0800 - 1700
Sunday 0800 - 1700
Pre-requisites – Current Apply First Aid or Senior First Aid certificate.
Nominations and TA17 due by 30th March,2012. Workbooks will need to be collected from the Volunteer Office and
completed prior to course.
All Nominations must go through your Superintendent.
ALL ENQUIRIES TO:
Volunteer Office
Ph 89226234
Assessor/Trainer Workshop
When: Saturday 14th April, 2012
Where: Palmerston Centre
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
All Operations Branch Assessors and Divisional Trainers in the Darwin, Batchelor and Katherine region are
required to attend
Lunch provided
RSVP Due by Friday 6th April, 2012
Topics covered: Megacode Kelly, ARC Changes, Training Handbook (NT Addendum), Assessors List – who can do
what, First Aider, First Responder & FR Reaccreditation Programs
For further information contact… 8922 6205 or email [email protected]
Vollie News Thursday 8th March 2012
Page 12
Advanced Responder
When: 28th & 29th April, 2012 (includes assessment Day 1)
Where: Casuarina Centre, Training Hall 1
Time: 0900-1700
PRE-REQUISITES: First Responder for minimum of 12 months and Volunteer Drugs qualified.
Lunch provided
COURSE PARTICIPANTS: 8-10
Nominations (through your superintendent) due by Friday 30th March, 2012
For further information contact… 8922 6234 or email [email protected]