Movies and more as communities prepare for fire season
Published on 15 November 2024
Are you prepared for this year’s bushfire season?
Glenelg Shire Council along with local fire and emergency organisations, including the plantation forestry sector, will be holding community events to help you along.
Two of these events are an emergency services movie night towards the end of November in Dartmoor and Casterton.
Ahead of the family-friendly film screening – the hugely-popular Australian movie Red Dog – there will be various emergency services displays, children’s activities, prizes, and free giveaways and barbecue.
There will also be a visit from the skies – the Green Triangle Fire Alliance’s Bell 204B firefighting helicopter.
Victoria’s fire agencies expect bushfire season to begin early this year, so residents are encouraged to be ready early. The Glenelg Shire Fire Danger Period will begin on 25 November.
Fire planning resources and assistance will be available for residents at both events.
Glenelg Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Helen Havercroft said it was “a fantastic opportunity for the local community to get to know their local emergency services and continue to get ready for the fire season ahead”.
“Council has also brought back its popular annual free green waste disposal from Monday, 25 November to Sunday, 8 December so fire preparedness should be at the front of mind during this time of year,” she said.
Green Triangle Fire Alliance general manager Anthony Walsh said the plantation sectors softwood and hardwood firefighting trained staff would be showcasing their extensive inventory as part of the event.
“Our member agencies are working hard to prepare for the upcoming fire season to protect our South West communities, including residents across the Glenelg Shire,” he said.
“Our membership base includes more than 300 firefighters and 100 firefighting appliances from tankers to slip-on units plus our firefighting helicopter and 15 Green Triangle fire detection cameras, which provide an aerial and land defence each and every season.
“This event is an excellent opportunity to share our stories on how we are preparing for the fire season and educate all on how we can do our part to prepare and protect our communities this upcoming fire season.”
Dartmoor’s event will be at the Dartmoor Recreation Reserve on Friday, 29 November, followed by Casterton at the football club at Island Park on Saturday, 30 November.
Both events will start at 5pm and will be followed by the movie at 6.30pm.
Places will be limited for the free film screenings so to attend those please RSVP for the venue you wish to go to via email sramsey@glenelg.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5522 2304.
The Glenelg Emergency Services Expo will then be held on the Portland Foreshore on Saturday, 7 December.
Caption: Green Triangle Fire Alliance helicopter pilot Simon Klein and the firefighting helicopter which will be making an appearance at the events at Dartmoor and Casterton.