AIPM News

 

Current news items Jan 2010 - present:

1/2010 Executive Development Program Complete

Volunteer Leaders Programs 2010

Emergency Services to be Independent

115th PMDP Completed

114th PMDP Completed

New Visiting Fellows at the AIPM for 2010

1/2010 Executive Development Program Complete

The first AFAC Executive Development Program was conducted at Manly between the 3rd and 21st May 2010.  The twenty participants from New South Wales Fire Brigades, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Victorian Country Fire Authority, Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, New Zealand Fire Service, South Australia Police, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, NSW State Emergency Service and ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety were all great ambassadors and brought much credit on their respective organizations. 

LtoR: Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer David Pang & Divisional Officer Stanley Tsang from the Hong Kong Fire Services Department

The opportunity to network and discuss operational and administrative management and leadership issues with International and other Australasian Fire and Police senior managers proved to be of great benefit to the participants.  It was also apparent that some enduring friendships resulted from the program and already the sharing of professional knowledge and advice has commenced with the construct of a program email directory to facilitate same.

The Program was ably supported by the guest Syndicate Leaders Jeff Carlisle the Fire Chief for the City of Vernon, British Columbia Canada, Paul Smith the Regional West Manager of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Simon Stevenson a senior tutor at the National Policing Improvement Agency, United Kingdom and David Sprague AIPM Visiting Fellow from Victoria Police.  All Syndicate Leaders brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Program and were able to provide invaluable assistance to the course participants as well as adding value to classroom discussions.  The participants also received some excellent presentations and case studies from them.

From LtoR: Mr Paul Smith, Mr Phil Shepherd, City of Vernon Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle, Mr Simon Stevenson & Commander David Sprague.

The guest presenters were again extremely well received and professional in their delivery of subjects as diverse as Strategic Environmental Analysis, Leadership, Change Management, Introduction to the Media, Project Management, Public Sector Finance, Influencing and Keeping Pressure Positive.  These presentations added to the core subjects and provided a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision which is a real strength of the course.  It was pleasing for all involved to observe the development of the participants their active involvement in all activities, quality of their written academic papers and oral presentations.

A highlight for the course was the attendance of Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons of the NSW Rural Fire Service who presented all participants with their certificates and spoke at the Graduation Dinner.  His observations, experience and reflection on his time as a fire fighter and now Commissioner was a personal and professional presentation highlighting current operational and strategic issues for Fire fighting and enthusiastically received by the participants and guests.

To all involved from the Instructing staff, Participants, Administrative staff, Kitchen and Facilities Staff and AFAC it was pleasing to see that all agreed that the AIPM has once again delivered a quality educational and leadership development program.   To AFAC we once again express our appreciation for their continuing support to the AIPM in providing these courses for our future fire fighting leaders.

Volunteer Leaders Programs 2010

The first Volunteer Leaders Program for 2010 was conducted at Manly between the 14th and 18th April 2010. Superintendent Steve Munro and Commander David Sprague, Visiting Fellows from Queensland and Victoria Police represented the AIPM and were assisted by Claire Atherden and John McDonough from NSW Fire Brigades to mentor and coach the 21 Course participants through the 5 day intensive program. 

We were all extremely impressed with the quality and enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants who all represented their agencies with distinction.  Volunteers attended from the following jurisdictions - New South Wales Fire Brigades, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Emergency Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Victoria State Emergency Service, South Australia Country Fire Service, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia, Tasmania Fire Service and New Zealand Fire Service.

The guest presenters, Don Lowe (Leadership), David Marshall (Media), Charmaine Bourke (Myer Briggs Type Indicator) and Mike Nadler (Influencing) were exceptional high quality facilitators that had significant impact on the course participants. The course culminated with four very impressive group presentations to Chief Superintendent Rick Griffiths NSW Fire Brigade, and Mr Tom Rogers, Executive Director, AIPM which was followed by a certificate presentation to each participant and a final relaxing barbeque before their departure home.  The quality of these presentations on very relevant and contemporary issues including Supervisory Practices, Diversity, Teamwork and Conflict Resolution highlighted the skills, knowledge and understanding that had been gleaned throughout the program.

The second VLF program was conducted between 28th April and 2nd May 2010.  Superintendent Waata Shepherd was part of the team with Duty Commander Kel McNamara and Station Officer Scott Bennett from NSW Fire Brigades to coach, mentor and present to the participants who numbered twenty from the same jurisdictions as Program One. 

Once again the course leaders and professional instructors who were engaged were very impressed with the enthusiasm of the participants and their hunger for information and further learning on all subjects throughout the program.  A highlight of both courses was the Team Building afternoon at Narabeen where they faced many team challenges and problem solving exercises.  All participants commented very positively on the learning’s that they derived from these activities and their application to their work.

A highlight for both courses was the Case studies presented and syndicate work arising from the case studies.  On both courses they were presented with a large furniture retail premises fire in the United States which resulted in the deaths of nine fire-fighters and a recent leadership study on the Victorian Bushfires by Commander Sprague.  Feedback from these sessions was excellent and indicated that new insight had been gained in relation to actual incidents and contemporary leadership.

Deputy Director of the AIPM Warwick Jones was joined by Chief Superintendent Marcus Baker of the NSW Fire Brigade during the delivery of their syndicate presentations and once again comment was made in relation to the high quality and obvious learning all had derived from the course.  It was particularly pleasing to observe the development of new confidence in many of the participants.  The Course participants were then presented with their certificates of achievement by Chief Superintendent Baker who then joined in with them for the final barbeque before returning home to their various jurisdictions.

To all involved, from the Administration staff, Kitchen and Facilities Staff, NSWFB  and AFAC, one can only conclude that the AIPM has once again delivered a quality educational and leadership development program to a group of outstanding volunteers who truly represent what is great about gathering quality people to together with a common purpose and fostering professional networking opportunities.  To AFAC we once again express our appreciation for their continuing support to the AIPM in providing these courses for these wonderful volunteers who provide so much valuable support to the Emergency Services in Australasia.

Emergency Services to be Independent

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the NSW Government today announced it has abolished the overarching department of Police and Emergency Services NSW. Emergency Services Minister, Steve Whan, said Police and Emergency Services agencies would continue to report directly to their respective Ministers. The recently established “super department” would be dissolved.

Staff transferred to the super department will be re-deployed back into their respective agencies, and the independence of police and emergency services agencies would again be reinforced. “The Government has listened to the community and in particular our hard working emergency services frontline volunteers and staff,” Mr Whan said. <read more>

115th PMDP Completed

The 115th PMDP officially concluded on Thursday evening 25th March 2010 with a spectacular graduation dinner held on site at the current home of the AIPM at North Head, Manly, NSW.

The graduating group was a different one from the one that started their AIPM experience some three weeks previously.  When the class of 115th reflect back upon their journey,  there will be many fond memories of the lasting friendships formed, the deep learning experiences and the collective courage to make a difference in the future within their respective organizations.

 115th Graduation Dinner

The AIPM welcomed two International Visiting Fellows, firstly and foremost Ms Daphne Lim, Chief Investigator from the Independent Commission against Corruption, Hong Kong.  Daphne’s passion and drive and genuine commitment to her syndicate and the program participants ensured a rich and cultural diverse learning experience was shared with all. 

One of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI USA) leading educators in Ken Killbride was the next big ticket VIP VF. Kenny (his new Australian nickname) is a 30 year senior police veteran, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant before joining the FBI Academy Leadership and Development Institute in 2008. Ken’s passion for lifelong learning ensured that we all had the opportunity to hear from Ken throughout the program on his experiences and those in the USA.   

Director Mick Sherry from the Office of Police Integrity, Victoria, returned to the AIPM to lead his syndicate group through the Program.  Mick is regarded as one of the finest and ethically sound leaders and his quality engagement was clearly evident. Mick is a past participant of PELP and has previously assisted as a VF with PMDP in 2008.  The Syndicate leaders were rounded off with two 12 months residential VF’s in Commander Dave Sprague, Victoria Police, and Superintendent Steve Munro, Queensland Police.  Dave’s 40 year policing experience shone through with his powerful reflection upon policing, diversity and need to care for your people.   Steve took on the added responsibility of course co-ordinator, ensuring another quality program was delivered to the participants.

LtoR: Superintendent Steve Munro, Mr Phil Shepherd, Ms Daphne Lim, Commander David Sprague, Mr Mick Sherry, Mr Ken Kilbride.

Mr Phil Shepherd (Deputy Director, Award Programs), ably supported by Superintendent Ingrid Tomanovits (Deputy Director, Executive Programs) facilitated the bulk of the classroom sessions and they are to be commended on their level of commitment, passion and drive.  One of the many highlights for the 115th was the visit to the Sydney Jewish Museum where Mr George Grojnowski, a holocaust survivor, shared his testimony.  This powerful experience and the opportunity for a guided tour of the museum was a first for the AIPM, and no doubt will be a new inclusion to future programs. 

The level and depth of experience from within the 115th was quite outstanding.  Police leaders from most jurisdictions were represented ( Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, ACT, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police), enriched by international leaders from New Zealand Police, Serious and Organised Crime Agency United Kingdom, Philippine National Police and Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam.  The NSW Department of Corrections and Victorian Office of Police Integrity representatives  rounded off what could only be desribed as one of the most balanced and outstanding group of individuals to successfully complete the PMDP.  We wish them all the best for the future.

 

114th PMDP Completed

The 114th Police Management Development Program commenced on 8th February 2010 at the current temporary home of the AIPM, the picturesque Old School of Artillery, North Head.  The 24 participants were extended a warm welcome by the Executive Director of AIPM,  Mr Tom Rogers, supported by the Course Coordinator,  Assistant Commissioner Peter Gallagher,  AIPM Visiting fellow, New South Wales Police Force.   The AIPM is very fortunate to have the services of Peter Gallagher for the 2010 program of events.  Peter is one of the most highly respected and competent senior managers within Australian policing jurisdictions.  His strength of character and true leadership qualities is a benefit for all who have the opportunity to work with Peter.

The 114th was also very fortunate to be supported by a very high calibre field of visiting fellows.  The International Visiting Fellow, Deputy Chief Gilles Larochelle, from Ottawa Police, Canada, was enjoying his first visit to this great part of the world, and after a little jetlag, hit his straps running and quickly settled into providing a high level of expertise and engagement with the participants from his broad policing experiences in Ottowa, Canada.  Commander Karl Kent, Manager High Tech, Collections and Capabilities, High Tech Crime Operations, Australian Federal Police was also welcomed back to the Institute as a Visiting Fellow for the 114th.  Karl had recently completed the PELP program during 2009 and his enthusiasm and energy to engage with the participants was contagious and this quickly developed into fostering a strong learning experience for all.

LtoR: Deputy Chief Gilles Larochelle, Superintendent Steve Munro, Command Karl Kent, Mr Phil Shepherd, Superintendent Waata Shepherd and Commander David Sprague.

The AIPM was also very fortunate to welcome three new Visiting Fellows for the 2010 program of events.  First and foremost is Commander David Sprague from Victoria Police.  David has been a member of VICPOL  since 1966, a career spanning over  4 decades.  You just can’t buy that experience and wealth of knowledge.  David’s experience in senior management quickly shone through as he shared his life experiences with the participants and guided them through the rigorous learning environment that created that positive level of distress.

A true International flavor in Superintendent Waata Shepherd, New Zealand Police, was the next Visiting Fellow of some repute to join the team for season 2010.  Waata, a committed family man and passionate about NZ Rugby (as all Kiwis are) quickly set the participants at ease  with his relaxed and genuine friendly nature.  A highlight for all was the demonstration of Haka by Waata and the the two NZ participants Tony Jeurissen and Ross Lienert.

The final and third Visiting fellow was Steve Munro, from the sunshine state of Queensland.  Steve successfully completed the 108th PMDP back in 2007 and was selected by his jurisdiction to represent the QPS at the Institute for the next 12 months.  Steve believes he is very fortunate that in being a past student he has developed his capacity to reflect and found the AIPM a true positive life changing experience which he wants to share with other participants.

The level and depth of experience in law enforcement within the 114th was absolutely incredible.  Police leaders from most states and territories from within Australia were represented (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Federal Police.  Other key organisations represented included the Australian Crime Commission and NSW Department of Corrections.  There was also great depth of international law enforcement experience with representatives from Serious and Organized Crime Agency United Kingdom, Indonesian National Police, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and New Zealand Police.

The 114th PMDP was official closed on Friday 26th February and the participants departed with a new sense of achievement and accomplishment.   The formal dinner and graduation ceremony held on the preceding evening showcased the close bond that had developed  within the group and highlighted the shared vision by the participants to be courageous in the future as leaders within their own organizations and life generally.  A true credit to all involved. 

New Visiting Fellows at the AIPM for 2010

This year has seen the arrival of three new Visiting Fellows to the AIPM.  Superintendent Steve Munro from the Queensland Police has extensive experience ranging from communication centre and traffic policing, from policing in a remote area of Queensland to training areas.  He is excited about the opportunity to work with and develop our future police leaders and key managers from Government and the Emergency services, within Australasia and beyond.  Steve has an interest in Rugby Union and is married with four adult children.

Superintendent Waata Shepherd comes to us from the New Zealand Police and has enjoyed over 30 years service working in many and varied positions across the North Island from frontline policing, detective duties, management of police in a rural area and manager of an area with 140 staff.  He has been seconded to Police HQ to advise and give guidance to the Commissioner and Executive on Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Affairs.  Waata has three children aged from 23 to 17 and enjoys watching New Zealand Rugby and Netball teams enjoying wins particularly against Australia.

Commander David Sprague is from Victoria Police and he has enjoyed his long police career in that State which now has grown to about 14,000 staff including 12,000 sworn members.  He has served as a uniform member and detective at all ranks in the metropolitan area and Crime Squads.  David has also travelled extensively on work related matters and has managed some high profile criminal investigations.  He has spent the majority of his work at his current rank in Internal Affairs and as a Project Manager.  He is looking forward to the Visiting Fellow role and working with our future leaders.  David has three adult children and enjoys bushwalking, cycling and travelling.

LtoR: Commander David Sprague, Superintendent Steve Munro, Superintendent Waata Shepherd.

Steve, Waata and David have joined Katrina Povolny and Peter Gallagher who are also Visiting Fellows and have been with the AIPM since 2009.  Katrina is a Superintendent with the AFP and Peter is an Assistant Commissioner from NSW Police.  This team of Visiting Fellows bring a wealth of policing experience and knowledge from their respective organizations which is very important for the vital role they play to support, guide, encourage, coach and mentor participants at the AIPM Courses.  The courses can be very challenging for participants and the VF’s are well aware of the important role they play to bring success and personal growth as a leader to them.  They are looking forward to working with the dynamic team of staff at the AIPM during 2010 to achieve these outcomes.

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