The Shire’s online bushfire ready initiative captured the attention of judges for the State Emergency Management awards presented on Wednesday.
Former communications co-ordinator for the Shire Rebecca Noakes saw a need to help residents further and be better prepared.
Her idea became the annual event, Test Your Bush Fire Survival Plan Day, run through the Shire Facebook page to help residents test their bushfire survival plan.
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READ NOWShire President David Lavell said the Shire was honoured to be named alongside other organisations doing great things to increase resilience.
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“This award is a huge achievement for our Shire and acknowledges the work we undertake to help prepare our community for disasters,” he said.
Residents who subscribe to the online event receive mock scenarios every five minutes for half an hour, enabling them to assess, review and adapt their plan at home as the scenario changes.
Cr Lavell said the initiative was an innovative event and the perfect way to connect with a “socially-savvy community”.
About one-third of the Shire is in natural forest and plans are under way for this year’s survival plan day.
The Shire has employed an Emergency Preparedness Officer, in partnership with Australia Red Cross and Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The 12-month pilot project will involve the officer working with residents and community groups.