Seamless Integration

Working together to promote summer safety advice

Onlookers observe the MFS Road Crash Rescue demonstration in Rundle Mall.

The emergency services sector was involved in a range of open days, displays and internal events to mark 2009 Public Sector Week at the end of November. Public Sector Week aims to raise the South Australian community's awareness of the breadth and quality of services provided by, and the expertise and innovation of, the public sector. The emergency services sector was well represented over the course of the week, starting with the largest event - the popular MFS Open Day at the Adelaide Fire Station.

Up to 4000 people attended the day, with the MFS C-Shift doing an outstanding job developing the stands and interacting with the community.The day was a great success, with the Australian Professional Fire-fighters Foundation (APFF) repeatedly selling out of sausages at the barbecue stand, and raising $1,000.

MFS Fire Cause Investigators (FCI) were also involved in another event - called Opening the Evidence Room - at the State Library. A number of internal events were also held, including SAFECOM's morning tea and staff awards presentation. 

The sector's major promotional activity for the week was a display at Rundle Mall, promoting summer safety messages of each organisation. CFS, MFS and SES vehicles featured, along with the Volunteer Marine Rescue boat, SES dogs and SA Water Safety Committee and Flood Safe advice. Minister for Emergency Services Michael Wright addressed the crowd, awarding young people from the Henley Beach Life Saving Club with certificates and recognition for their extraordinary courage performing a rescue earlier that month. MFS firefighters then demonstrated a road crash rescue operation, using the 'jaws of life', attracting the attention of the lunchtime crowd and issuing important road safety messages.

All events gave the community the opportunity to get a closer look at the emergency services sector, its appliances and people, and receive information and advice about water and fire safety this summer.