Conference Presentation from the Chair of the UFBA Board…
12th December 2011In presenting the annual report on behalf of the Board, Peter Drummond, MNZM, summarised key points to delegates...
It had been a challenging and dramatic year since last Conference, at which point recovery was well underway from the first Canterbury earthquake and the Pike River disaster was still fresh in our memory. Then, within months fresh devastation and tragedy struck Christchurch.
Response by volunteers from member brigades was outstanding beyond belief. All exercised skills and support for several weeks. All firefighters came through with flying colours. The earthquakes caused reallocation of resources, goals and altered dates and venues for our core activities.
The UFBA Benevolent Fund, supported by NZFS funding and UFBA members’ donations, provided assistance to firefighters and their families, and the welfare team is still on the ground there offering help.
The strong challenges programme, despite adversities, was not only completed but generally well supported.
The first UFBA Leadership and Governance workshop was held in August. These will continue and from them we are keen to identify emerging young leaders.
The review of the Model Rules is about sustainability. Brigades have to be attractive to new generations, administered transparently following the Brigade’s agreed rules.
Much energy was put into responding to the NZFS Regional Reduction and Realignment Project which, once members’ reaction had been judged, resulted in a comprehensive submission.
The planned deficit for last year was not as much as was budgeted, mainly because of delayed activities beyond the 2010-2011 financial year. But the UFBA is soundly placed with accumulated funds.
The Board, on behalf of the Association, thanked National Commander/Chief Executive Mike Hall and former Chair of the Fire Service Commission, Dame Margaret Bazley, for their support over the years.
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