Residents across the Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire are learning life-saving skills as part of a series of Emergency Response Themed Training, which includes how to use a chainsaw safely.
A total of eleven distinct community groups hailing from Cardinia and Yarra Ranges have recently participated in diverse training courses, which have been run for members of the community groups and organisations who assisted with the recovery from the June 2021 storm.
On the 21 and 22 August a free chainsaw course was facilitated by the councils and delivered through ARBTRACK Australia.
Over two days community members came together to learn all about the ins and outs of chainsaws: safety, cleaning, maintenance and of course how to use them.
Cockatoo resident, Andrew McLean participated in the Chainsaw training workshop on 22 August, and said that despite having prior experience with a chainsaw, he wanted to learn the correct procedures and practices to use it safely.
“We live in Cockatoo on top of a ridge and in the last two big storms we had two trees come down in our front yard and then the next July, two of our neighbours’ trees came down into our backyard,” he said.
“We had a battery-operated chainsaw, but I needed to know how to operate it correctly and safely, so I signed up for this course and I’ve learnt an enormous amount of all the things I’m not doing and all the things I’m doing wrong.”
“Now I can be safer when I’m cutting tree limbs and it has given me the confidence to operate it properly,” said Andrew.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said the emergency response themed training meant residents were armed with the knowledge and practical skills to make a difference in their own lives and community.
“Following the 2021 storm we witnessed an incredible coming together of our community, and the dedication shown by both the SES and CFA was matched by the countless residents who pitched in to clear trees and debris, reminding us of the strength in our community,” he said.
“Having more locals trained in skills such as first aid and chainsaw operations could be invaluable, especially during times of crisis and this is one the small things we can give communities to help them be better prepared for future disasters.”
A total of $650,000 from Emergency Recovery Victoria was given to Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council to support ongoing community clean-up efforts for vulnerable residents on private property and to create valuable training opportunities for residents.
