Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Western Victoria fires

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (13:39): I would like to acknowledge all the first responders to the fires at Beaufort and surrounds. I am from Beaufort. I grew up there, and a lot of the people there I have known for a long, long period of time. First responders, CFA volunteers and SES volunteers are absolute heroes, and they worked tirelessly to protect communities during a bushfire that was scary for a lot of people. I visited a relief centre in Ballarat, and I can say that the care that was received by locals was excellent. They should be commended for that. It is important to note that a lot of locals have stayed and fought the fires, and I think some of their efforts also contributed to the fires being under control a lot quicker than perhaps they otherwise might have been. To put it on the record, locals have stayed around and provided advice and support to many government agencies that have also contributed to ensuring that the fires did not risk property, people, livestock, assets and all those other things. It is something that has hurt, but it has also been an opportunity for the community to come together and unite, and that has certainly happened. Friends, families, relatives – everyone – have made an extraordinary difference, and I want to put that on the record and thank them sincerely.