These children were thoroughly enjoying themselves on the vintage fire engine at the recent Open Day at Government House in support of the vistims of the Victorian bushfires.

Police Station, The Rocks

The traditional blue police light in The Rocks.

Why are police associated with the colour blue in so many places - blue uniforms, the thin blue line, blue lights, blue call boxes (the most famous of which is the TARDIS*: and if you don't know what that is, well, you've led a culturally deprived life ;-) ?

It seems it dates back to the first organised police force in the world, Sir Robert Peel's Metropolitan Police in London.

When formed in 1829 it was decided that their uniform should be completely different in all ways to the uniform worn by the military which had been used for policing major disorder in London and the rest of the country. So, they had a civilian uniform of blue high collared tailcoat, worn with white trousers and hardened top hats, as opposed to red uniforms of the military. The top hats, by the way served the dual purpose of providing head protection and acting as a step to allow officers to climb or see over walls!

* TARDIS: see here

Costa Living

NSW public sector workers, including the fire brigade, are looking for pay increases more than what the state treasurer and givernment is offering - 2.5%. Inflation is currently over 4%, so it would mean an effective pay cut.

The name of the Treasuer is Michael Costa, so this banner on the side of the fire engine is a "cost of living" pun on his name.

Something old, something new

Above, the new Arncliffe Fire Station, opened in 1996, and below, the old Arncliffe Fire Station, opened in 1909, now converted to use as a pre-school. The new one incorporates many sound environmental features, such as solar energy use. I really like it - very innovative. It is located on an extremely busy t- intersection very near Sydney Airport, and always entrances me as I turn past, which is most weekday mornings at about 5:45 am, on my way to the gym for a swim. The old station is Feederation style, based on English Arts and Crafts architecture. There is open space for the children out of shot.

More red!

Folks, I'm two days through an intense 3 day conference, so I apologise for not visiting everyone's "Theme Day" posts yesterday. I promise to try to get to as many as possible when this is all over.

Here's a "red" pic I nearly chose for yesterday....featuring the City of Sydney's Number 001 fire engine. Actually, what i like best about fire stations are all the firemen's coats and gear hanging ready on the hooks around the walls.

Firies are great!

Ambulance Service motorbike

There are two of these BMW bikes as part of the New South Wales Ambulance Service rapid response fleet. Until today I hadn't seen one. However this morning someone collapsed at Central Station. The bike paramedic could gain access to the concourse where the ambulance couldn't, and provide immediate assistance. When I went past, the patient was being transferred on to a trolley and then to a conventional ambulance parked outside the station.

Do you have motorbike paramedics where you are?

For Dad

Earlier this year my Dad died. He was always an enthusiastic player, and later conductor in brass bands. I came across these members of the NSW Fire Brigades band playing carols at my local shopping centre, raising money for the Children's Burns Unit. I said hello to them and gave a donation for my Dad. It turned out they knew and remembered Dad well. Unexpected things happen at unexpected times, don't they?

Industrial Relations Laws: "just not cricket" *

Police horses at Belmore Park in Sydney this morning, as workers assemble for a rally against the Howard government's workplace laws that take us back to the worst days of 19th century style exploitation. (Of course everyone was well-behaved and there was no need for the police and horses, but aren't they magnificent animals!)

The rally attracted 40 000 in Sydney, and 50 000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, from where there was a satellite broadcast to 500 venues across Australia.

For more info about the issue, see the ACTU Your Rights At Work website.

For more pictures of the rally and march, click here to go to my Daily Photo Extras Blog.

Previous blogs on this issue:
No Laughing matter" - July 4 2006
March and rally - June 28 2006

News reports: Sydney Morning Herald, The Melbourne Age - "Just not cricket"
* "Just not cricket" - a phrase meaning not in the spirit of fair play, derived from the idea that cricket is a "gentleman's game".