Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Kim WELLS (Rowville) (09:54): I rise today to acknowledge the extraordinary bravery and dedication of our local CFA volunteers during what has been a devastating 2025–26 bushfire season. Over the course of this summer Victoria has faced catastrophic conditions, especially across the Wimmera, north-central, north-east and Gippsland regions. While many of us were seeking relief from the heat, the men and women of the Rowville and Scoresby CFA brigades were doing the exact opposite, heading into danger to protect lives and property while endangering their own.

I want to specifically highlight the efforts of our local strike teams. Members from both Rowville and Scoresby have been deployed nearly every day, primarily to the north-central town of Alexandra, providing significant support to the tragic Longwood and Walwa fires, which claimed over 135,000 hectares. In particular, Scoresby’s hose lay has been pumping critical magnitude amounts of water supply to be a major part of the bushfire response, while Rowville’s drones have been deployed throughout the state to provide crucial information to form a strategic response.

To the captains, the crews and, most importantly, the families who support them to secure our community in the state: the Rowville electorate and I are immensely proud of you. Your commitment is the backbone of our community safety. We owe you a debt of gratitude that will never fully be repaid.