Brigade to get locals fire-ready at community event

“The event is basically a call to action to our community that brigades across Victoria are hosting,” Seymour CFA volunteer Kylie Comte said.

“It’s basically getting our community ready, and getting them to think about how they can get themselves ready for the fire season that’s ahead, with a focus on preparing themselves and preparing their property.”

With Seymour having close ties to its surrounding towns, neighbouring brigades will also be present to supply attendees with localised knowledge on their area.

Ms Comte said this aspect of the day was what made it distinctive from past CFA events.

“Every brigade will have a localised map of our area, and we’ve highlighted areas of grass fire risk, bushfire risk, and a combined grass and bushfire risk,” she said.

“Our residents can come up to ask and tell us where they live, and we’ll point it out on the map, so we’ll actually be able to give personalised information about the weather and what could impact them in the event of a fire.

“So, we can talk about fire behaviour that’s relative to them and their situation.”

Joining the CFA brigades will be members from the local VICSES Unit and police station, allowing locals to come face-to-face with the volunteers and emergency service workers who may, in the event of an emergency, one day save their lives.

“When people call for 000, they’re obviously not having a great day,” Ms Comte said.

“Sometimes connecting with and getting to know who your emergency services are ... can tend to help if you ever require the CFA to attend.

“There’s that little bit of peace of mind if you’ve got a familiar face there, sometimes that can make a difference if people see a friendly face.”

Jointly facilitated by the Mitchell Shire Council, through its Safer Together project, the community event is open to all.

With free, delicious slices from Country Boy Pizza, ice-cream, kids’ face painting, and an opportunity to meet local emergency services volunteers and workers, the day has something for everyone.

And aside from residents having the chance to chat to members of the local emergency services, special guest Captain Koala, who should be making an appearance at about 12.30pm, will also be in attendance to lend an ear and have some fun.

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about volunteering opportunities within the local brigades, which are always seeking extra hands.

Seymour Fire Brigade’s Get Fire Ready event will be held on Sunday, October 19 from 11am to 2pm at Chittick Park.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/bdh73jd9