Way to go: Brumby

By Tania Martin
HILLS businesses were last week commended for their help during the Black Saturday fires.
Premier John Brumby and Industrial Relations Minister Martin Pakula visited Monbulk CFA during a community cabinet tour.
An afternoon tea was held to thank local employers for allowing their workers to go off to fight the fires.
“Volunteer firefighters are a vital part of Victoria’s response to bushfires every year.
“We recognise that volunteering for days or even weeks at a time can be incredibly difficult,” Mr Brumby said.
“It’s fantastic to see so many employers – many of them small businesses or owner operators – doing their part to help Victorian communities in a time of such great need.”
Mr Brumby said employers played a key role in supporting the volunteers by releasing them from work during emergencies.
“I encourage businesses to continue supporting these Victorians as we enter a fire season which fire experts predict could be as bad, if not worse, than the season we’ve just faced,” he said.
Mr Pakula said there were many local businesses who helped out during Black Saturday.
He said Grant and Lynne Willard of Belgrave South Timber Supplies was one the many who gave staff paid leave to fight the fires.
Mr Willard, also a volunteer firefighter, knows the importance of allowing his staff time off to fight fires.
He and two staff had to take time off during the disaster this year.
But Mr Willard said the businesses coped well in their absence.
“Our customers understood and most were quite happy,” he said.
Mr Willard said it was great to see businesses being acknowledged.
“It’s a good move. Hopefully more businesses will see it’s the way to go,” he said.