Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Jordan CRUGNALE (Bass) (09:52): More than 200 fires in the landscape, communities threatened, homes and structures burnt, precious life taken and livestock gone – the hottest day on record was so marked. In our Bass electorate, CFA brigades from Pearcedale to Pound Creek formed strike teams deployed across the state. This is the second iteration for the public record: Pearcedale – Kevin Sullivan, Adam Carrigg, David Stewart, Ethan Stewart, Ashleigh Ellis, Andy Gray, Jack Harkness, Don Gibbon, Robyn Murphy, Jack McClelland, Alistair Errey, Geoff Carter, Jason Jones, Stephen Jones, Terry Prentice, Maddox Gibbs; Devon Meadows – Tim Vriend, John Sanderson, Richard Watson, Jeff Knight, Jon Wainwright, Peter Van De Laarschot, Brodie White, Justin Stackpole; Warneet–Blind Bight – Mark Konieczny, Mellani Harris, Ken Eakins, Chris Hayes, Luke Bowman; Heath Hill–Yannathan – Clayton Chauvin, Hailey Chauvin; Kernot–Grantville – Andrew Blackney, Daniel Blackney, Shawn Curry, Russell Day, Michelle Venten, George Blum, Greg Jennings; and Dalyston – Stephen Ross-Bryant, Jarrod Minihan, Carolyn Milnes, Roger O’Brien. I also thank the collective at San Remo and Wonthaggi brigades. To all our extraordinary volunteers across districts 8 and 9, who are called out locally on standby, undertaking training, deployed afar; to their partners, families and employers, who get their spirited essence to help, protect and serve; and to our SES units and lifesaving clubs, who also had a busy summer: thank you for your exemplary service, commitment and camaraderie. You are valued and appreciated and the best of us.