The following welfare services are available to all UFU members and their families

UFU WELFARE OFFICER

UFU Welfare Officer, Ross Fusca can be contacted by UFU members or members of UFU families (i.e. partners, children, parents) confidentially at ufuwelfareofficer@gmail.com or on 0477 884 456. 

We encourage all UFU members to use this welfare service. 

About Ross

Ross was appointed UFU Welfare Officer in 2016. Since then, Ross has had confidential contact with hundreds of UFU members and provides this service to members free of charge.  His understanding of the nature of the emergency services, his own experiences at Victoria Police, and his training, all contribute to the level of service provided by Ross to UFU members and UFU families.   

Ross came to the UFU with thirty years’ experience in law enforcement with the Australian Federal Police, attaining the substantive rank of Detective Sergeant. Within this role, he held the position of Welfare Officer (Victoria and Tasmania), encompassing portfolios including Return to Work Coordinator, Equal Opportunities Officer, Sexual Harassment Contact Officer, Aboriginal Liaison Officer and Regional Mediator.

CFA Personnel:

• For CFA personnel there is a dedicated 24-hour access to a dedicated counselling service with psychologists by calling the Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232. If you call this service you can have immediate access to a psychologist via telephone or alternatively makes an appointment This service is also available for family members. The Wellbeing Support Line also provides access to non-denominational pastoral care.
• Additionally, for CFA personnel there is an extensive peer support program which can be accessed by calling the Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 or by calling peers directly (contact numbers are available at all stations or via the intranet).

MFB Personnel:

• Call the 24-hour numbers to access the dedicated counselling service provided by psychologists: 1800 451 138 or 1300 366 789.  
• This service provides immediate access to a psychologist either via telephone or alternatively in person by appointment.  This service is also available for family members.
• Additionally, for MFB personnel there is an extensive peer support programme where a clinician can be accessed by calling 9665 4405 or 0407 665 174 or the Peer Coordinator on 0417 538 289 or 9665 4516.

EXTERNAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ALL

Other external services that offer 24/7 support, as listed on the Black Dog Institute website, include:

LifeLine Australia – 13 11 14

MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

BeyondBlue – 1300 22 46 36

As always, if members have questions or concerns about any of the above information, you are always welcome to call your Branch Secretary Peter Marshall on 0419 127 004.