Sleeves rolled up for clean-up

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved in the community-led storm clean-up campaign this month.
It was wonderful to see the community spirit as residents and community groups banded together to assist those in our community who were affected by the October storm.
Residents were able to access a free pick up service up until Sunday 18 December, thanks to funding from the State Government.
This community initiative was supported by Yarra Ranges Council, Knox City Council, Cardinia Council, SES, CFA, Victoria Police and the State Government.
Thank you to our volunteers from Millgrove Residents Actions Group, the Lilydale Branch – Rotary Service Club and Volunteering Victoria – HELPout.
The clean up would not have been possible without the input of people living in the Yarra Ranges who were keen to offer a helping hand to their neighbours including the elderly, those living with a disability or people who were unable to remove the tree debris on their property.
While the campaign has come to an end, we are anticipating that the CFA will declare the Fire Danger Period shortly. During this period, open air burning cannot go ahead without a permit.
It’s important that residents use the coming weeks to burn off before the CFA’s announcement. Please be aware that open air burning restrictions may vary based on your property zoning.
Please visit the My Neighbourhood section on the Yarra Ranges Council website – yarraranges.vic.gov.au/myneighbourhood, which allows you to enter your home address to access information about burning off, including what restrictions may apply and times when burning can occur.
For residents with green waste, please visit My Neighbourhood to check your upcoming regular fortnightly collection dates.
For those of you that aren’t aware, the old Fire Ready App has been upgraded to the all hazards VicEmergency app. Make sure you receive up to date incident information by downloading the VicEmergency app to your smart phone to access timely emergency information and warnings.
To download the app, visit emergency.vic.gov.au
To find out more about fire restrictions, visit the CFA’s website at cfa.vic.gov.au.
Summer is a beautiful time of year in the Yarra Ranges but with the sunshine comes high temperatures. Please check on your neighbours over the Christmas period and coming summer months. Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Please provide your pets and farm animals with plenty of water.
Stay in the shade, in air-conditioned buildings and keep out of the sun for long periods of time.
There is also plenty to do during the school holiday period. There are various activities taking place throughout January around the Yarra Ranges. To find out what is on, please visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/youth or follow YarraRangesYouth on Facebook.