Over this long period, thousands of volunteers have worked diligently to keep our community safe, and have received numerous accolades for their commitment.
Also, throughout this same incredible journey, the Pastoral Times has been reporting on fire brigades, their volunteers and their efforts. In living memory, we have enjoyed an almost seamless, mutually beneficial relationship.
It was therefore extremely disappointing when a senior salaried fire officer this week decided the relationship should be suspended.
When one of our staff members phoned the Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Zone on Monday (a regular Monday assignment) to get details of any weekend incidents, we received the cold shoulder.
The RFS staff member did not like our report in last Tuesday’s edition regarding concerns from the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association president and as ‘punishment’ decided the Pastoral Times will not be provided with incident information until we place an apology on the front page.
It seems we are supposed to apologise for reporting concerns expressed by the VFFA president.
So we must ask: Is this the type of response volunteers get when they question the RFS authority?
Because if this is how our paid firefighting personnel treat volunteers who are helping our community, we would suggest it is no wonder there is some discontent among their ranks.
We have no doubt, as has been loudly expressed, that many volunteers do not agree with the association president and are happy with the role they play, and the direction provided by the RFS.
However, as has become evident, there are also some who are disgruntled, with one telling the Pastoral Times they will not express concern for fear of retribution.
As we reported on Friday, a response from the RFS media department, quoting a spokesperson for the Mid Murray Zone, said: “Like any good community or family, there will always be differences. The RFS is no different. There will always be disagreements and friction from time to time, which, if managed appropriately, is healthy – it’s democracy.”
We agree, but we are not sure the zone’s senior personnel are ‘walking the talk’ or ‘managing appropriately’ the present situation.
The Pastoral Times wants a positive, ongoing relationship with all local organisations, in particular those who play such a key role in protecting our community and its assets.
We want to report regularly on their activities, promote their efforts and do what we can to encourage more volunteers, so the workload is spread.
Occasionally, there may be an instant where a comment or comments are made that the brigade’s senior personnel would prefer was not in the public arena.
But, as the brigade itself has said, there will be disagreements which, if managed properly, is healthy – it’s democracy.
We hope those who have taken a hard line against anyone who speaks out (or reports it) takes note and, with some reflection, renews their appreciation for this democracy and the indisputable fact that disagreements will occasionally exist.
Refusing to talk to those with whom you disagree, or cancelling them, will never solve the problem.
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