Induction training underway for QFES’ Games volunteers

More than 400 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) volunteers will undergo specialist training in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Tuesday).

Mr Crawford said QFES is delivering the training to volunteers as part of its preparedness and response commitment to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – known as Operation Paratus. 

Speaking at one of the training sessions in Brisbane, Mr Crawford said the primary focus for Operation Paratus was community safety.

“The safety of all athletes, officials, spectators and visitors at the Games in April is our highest priority,” Mr Crawford said.

“Delivering a safe environment to everyone involved has been made possible through effective planning and quality induction training, which will equip our workforce to effectively undertake their duties during their deployment.

“Once inductions around South East Queensland are finished, more than 400 QFES volunteers will have the appropriate skills and training to perform their designated roles.

“Queenslanders should feel confident that the level of training delivered to volunteers will reflect the quality of service provided during the Games.”

Mr Crawford said QFES’ involvement in the Games will also include about 400 paid employees – on top of the volunteers - under a three-year $11 million QFES Commonwealth Games program.

“All up, about 850 QFES personnel will be deployed at the Games under the program, which also involved the establishment of a dedicated QFES Commonwealth Games Office (CGO) employing 19 full-time QFES staff,” Mr Crawford said.

“During the Games, QFES will provide personnel for command positions, firefighting crews, scientific and specialist urban search and rescue officers, support staff and volunteers.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said QFES volunteers will play a significant role during the Games - performing up to 13 roles.

“They will fill about 1000 shifts across 11 days of competition, performing a range of roles from waterway operations and aircraft support crews to mountain bike medical crews,” Ms Jones said.

“There are more than 6600 athletes, 15,000 volunteers and over 1.5 million ticketed spectators, so each role is crucial to achieving and maintaining public safety.”

QFES Acting Commissioner Mark Roche said a significant part of the operation was ensuring volunteers were appropriately trained.

“In preparation for the Games, QFES volunteers have been participating in upskilling operations and various training exercises since December,” Mr Roche said.

“Each type of training or induction has been provided as a way of increasing local knowledge, and identifying risks and assessing practical solutions at an operational level.”

Mr Roche said the organisation was committed to providing a safe environment during the Games.

“Our highest priority is to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone involved in the Games, from athletes and team officials, to volunteers, visitors and the community,” he said.

“QFES volunteers are hugely dedicated, so the induction training is simply another step in providing the support they need to shape an incredible experience for everyone involved.”

ENDS

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