By KATH GANNAWAY
BRIGADES throughout the region will open their doors to the public for CFA Open Day in November and December.
Formerly known as CFA Sunday, the open days are the perfect opportunity for brigades to show the community what they do to keep everyone safe and deliver valuable fire safety messages.
In previous years the CFA open day fell on the last Sunday of Fire Action Week, Victoria’s
annual bushfire awareness week which signals the start of the summer fire campaign.
As of this year, however, brigades have been able to choose a specific day for their open day that suits them best. Some brigades, such as Yarra Junction which was open on Sunday, have already thrown open the doors.
Each open day includes a great array of new fun initiatives to engage with the community from free barbecues to jumping castles and movie nights.
CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the day also provided an opportunity for people to find
out how they could protect themselves, their family and property from fire this summer.
“We’re expecting another busy fire season – it has been drier than usual and we expect a warm summer. This means dry fires could start more easily, burn faster and with more intensity,” he said.
He said the fire season was already well underway.
“Now is the time to prepare your family and your home in the lead-up to summer and we’re here to help – members will be on hand to provide a range of fire safety information.”
Mr Ferguson said people keen to get involved could also speak to CFA members about joining their local brigade.
“There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with CFA that don’t just involve getting on a fire
truck,” he said.
“Non-operational roles range from delivering community education, to assisting with fund-raising events or activities, catering, management and recruitment.”
Mr Ferguson said CFA Open Day was a way for the public, and CFA as a whole, to recognise the great work being done by CFA’s 60,000 members to protect lives and property in Victoria.
“On behalf of CFA I thank these members for their tireless efforts and contribution to their
communities,” he said.
Brigade open days in Yarra Ranges and nearby are listed below and there is also information on www.cfa.vic.gov.au/openday about participating brigades.
Saturday, 22 November: Bayswater and Selby.
Sunday, 23 November: Boronia, Clematis, Hillcrest (Woori Yallock), Scoresby, Upwey, Gembrook, Olinda and Christmas Hills. The three Dandenong Ranges ’ridgetop’ CFA brigades are joining forces again at the Olinda Hall.
Saturday, 29 November: Ferntree Gully.
Sunday, 30 November: Dixons Creek, Emerald and Marysville.
Sunday, 7 December: Wandin.
