Background

The Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association have established a bereavement fund for the sole purpose of rendering financial assistance to the immediate dependents of Tasmania Fire Service volunteer firefighters in the event of the death in the line of duty.  Fundraising was conducted by direct request to volunteer brigades.  Brigades were encouraged to donate a minimum amount of $50.00.  This fund is additional to any other cover provided by the TFS.

Contributions

Initially all brigades were invited to donate a minimum amount of $50.00 per brigade.  If at such a time that the fund level falls below $6,000 will further request for contributions be made.  Should additional fundraising be required to be conducted, this will be conducted at the discretion of the managers of the fund.  Any further donations must be forwarded to the Director Corporate Services State Fire Commission.

Management of the Fund

The management of this fund will be jointly controlled by the State Presidents and State Secretaries of the two Associations.

The managers are appointed by title and not individually named.

Management and Collection of Donations Received

The monies collected will be received by the Director (Finance and Administration), State Fire Commission and duly deposited in a long term deposit account and only be made available for the expressed needs as set down under these guidelines. The account will be deposited in an interest bearing account and the management parties reserve the right to transfer part or sum total of this account into a higher investment portfolio in order that higher interest rates be obtained.

Approved activities

The Bereavement Fund will be used for the sole purpose of rendering financial assistance to the immediate dependents of Tasmania Fire Service volunteer firefighters in the event of the death in the line of duty.  This may include the following:

• attendance at training
• attendance during firefighting operations
• attendance at Association endorsed activities
• attendance at relevant Sub Committee or Working Party venues or activities as endorsed by the Tasmania Fire Service
• or Volunteer Associations.

Entitlement to the Bereavement Fund

Any TFS registered volunteer firefighter operating in Tasmania or as part of a TFS approved team operating outside Tasmania is entitled to be covered by the fund.

Payment

A one off payment up to a maximum of $3 000 shall be paid to the direct dependents of the decreased. The payment shall be paid as soon as possible following the death.  All monies raised shall be kept in a long term deposit account and only available for the expressed needs as laid down by the fund rules.  Determination of amount and conditions of the payment shall be made by the management committee.

Who to contact

For any question please contact the State President statepresident@tvfba.org.au