Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:47): (1875) My question for the Minister for Emergency Services is about the recent shameful vandalism at the Linton Firefighters Memorial, which saw bollards sawn off and wire cables stolen from a site dedicated to the five Geelong West CFA members – Matthew Armstrong, Jason Thomas, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson and Gary Vredeveldt – who perished in the horrific 1998 Linton bushfire. To say it has caused great anger and upset is an understatement. This site is profoundly significant as a memorial to those men and their families but also as a reminder of the historical importance of the fire, which led to major reforms in CFA safety and training. Considering the impact this senseless act has had on the fallen firefighters’ families, the CFA and the community and the need to reopen this vital place of remembrance for visitors, Minister, what will you do to assist the restoration?