Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (13:01): Our Montrose community was confronted with a significant bushfire event over the weekend. Starting as a grass and scrub fire on Saturday 14 March in Dr Ken Leversha Reserve along Sheffield Road in Montrose, it unfortunately spread and became out of control during the middle of the night, with VicEmergency warning residents to ‘take shelter now’ – another test demonstrating just how resilient our local Montrose community is.

I pay tribute to our local CFA fire brigades and our valued volunteer firefighters, who show exceptional dedication to our Yarra Ranges community, that responded swiftly alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria, battling not only the hot and windy conditions but also what residents have described as overgrown vegetation and debris on the council reserve. Sadly, at least one home was lost. I also pay tribute to Yarra Ranges police for the work that they did doorknocking residents, alerting them to the danger and encouraging evacuation. A massive shout-out to the Montrose CFA fire brigade led by captain Matt Jalowicki on the fireground and communications led by safety officer Liz Peters and all of the amazing Montrose brigade members. A huge thankyou to the more than 30 ‍CFA brigades who helped, including Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Coldstream, Wandin, Gruyere, Silvan, Mount Evelyn, Lilydale and Seville CFA fire brigades from our local Evelyn electorate – you are our local heroes.

Montrose at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges is a beautiful part of the world, but this does serve as a reminder that the entire Yarra Ranges is bushfire-prone, and we all need to be alert and prepared.