SAFSRA Background
SAFSRA stands for the South Australian Fire Service Retirees Association and was established in the early months of 2020. The process in relation to the formation of this much needed association was achieved after a lot of thought and consultation.
In 2014 the MFS engaged in a study performed by the University of Adelaide, which identified the challenges and risks to firefighters health and provided recommendations regarding MFS staff Health and Wellbeing. Subsequently a review of MFS internal support services was conducted and a new Wellness and Safety Department was created.
In 2018 the MFS Wellness and Safety Department engaged with the University of WA to undertake a study regarding transitioning to retirement for its staff. This report also made recommendations that could benefit a healthy retirement.
Given all of this it was recognised that a lot of the support that exists in employment can suddenly fall away when in retirement. It was also found that a lot of retired staff continued to stay connected and hold onto their firefighting identity with pride. All of these elements became the evolutionary catalyst for the inception of the SAFSRA in 2020.
Under the difficult circumstances experienced within SAMFS the retirees association has been able to forge ahead and establish a much needed support network for retiring firefighters. Important milestones achieved so far include:
- Producing a well-rounded constitution.
- Registering SAFSRA with the appropriate authorities.
- Forming a pro-active and balanced committee.
- Source funding to ensure that retiring SAMFS personnel can enjoy the next phase of their life without a financial impost.
- Established a Facebook page and a webpage www.safsra.com.au
- These 2 media platforms has given retired members the opportunity to engage with their former work colleagues, which has been one of the main aims.
- The decision was made to offer patronage of the association to the serving Chief Officer, pleasingly Mr Michael Morgan has accepted this role.
- The Bi-monthly luncheons have resumed with the first one to be held under the SAFSRA umbrella proving to be very successful.
- Although progress has been slow a transition to retirement process is being assembled and in recent weeks we have received enquiries in relation to support and procedures.
- The most rewarding aspect so far has been the positive reaction to what SAFSRA is attempting to achieve.
Looking forward the committee is hoping to link with Disaster Relief Australia (formerly Team Rubicon), logistics Commander Dave Mack has been appointed as the South Australia representative of this organisation. The hope will be that retired firefighters will be able to continue to help the community in times of need.
We are currently in negotiations to produce a car/caravan sticker so that SAFSRA members can hopefully interact with other emergency service retirees as they travel around the country. Funding for this endeavour will be required but we feel that for a small charge our members would be proud to discuss their careers over a few frothies.
In closing we would like to thank the FSF board for their continued support as well as the other contributors including the Fire Service Credit Union and the APFF.
Kevin ‘Billy’ Boyle
Retirees Support Officer
0417857769
