Thursday, 6 February 2020

Bushfires

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (09:39): My communities right across Victoria and many people from various Bellarine emergency services organisations have over recent months committed themselves to fighting the fires and assisting those affected. On the Bellarine, without hesitation, people from the CFA and the Red Cross have answered the call to help and protect people, properties and communities. All Bellarine CFA brigades have a long and proud history of serving their communities and the communities right across the state and across our region. They have been active participants in fires like Lara in 1969, Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday. They went to New South Wales recently as well.

This time firefighters, both career and volunteer, from Bellarine went to East Gippsland and the north-east. I would love to name each and every one of those firefighters, but I know they know I acknowledge them and know who they all are. They all came from brigades from Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Leopold, Mannerim, Ocean Grove, Portarlington, Queenscliff and Wallington. As a local member I have been very proud to work with them and for them.

I also pay tribute to the Point Lonsdale/Queenscliff and Leopold branches of the Red Cross. I met, just days after the fire, the Point Lonsdale/Queenscliff group, who were flying into Mallacoota with the Australian Defence Force. A shout-out to Lisa, who provided great leadership. They provided food, comfort and assistance. Thank you to all of those volunteers and career staff who assisted. I also want to thank the families. Much strain is placed on those families. They take on all the responsibility single-handedly. They equally contribute to our state’s safety.