MaidenGullyFireBrigadeWinterNewsletter2016www.maidengullycfa.org.au

The past 12 months At the Brigade’s recent Annual Meeting, Captain David Mustey reported that your local fire brigade

had responded to 49 calls for the year with 23 being in Maiden Gully with no significant fires. The CFA has again updated our Tanker 1 with a new unit allowing them to cascade our now run in unit to a less active brigade. The most obvious difference is the reflective striping (see photo opposite) but it also has an improved high-pressure pump and is an automatic. The Brigade has expended over $6,500 on new office equipment, a marquee for displays, 4WD rims and tyres to improve the off-road capability of our Field Command Vehicle as well as commencing work on a significant development and improvements at the fire station. This is being

achieved through the City of Greater Bendigo increasing the leasehold area at no cost to CFA or the Brigade. In the next few months, the existing workshop will be extended and the new area concreted. The area has already been fenced and leveled. The project, which is costing about $40,000, has been supported by donations of goods from Bunnings Epsom (light fittings) and Pearces Concrete Golden Square (road base). Villawood Properties and our community partners Maiden Gully IGA and UFS Pharmacy Maiden Gully are all helping us significantly with project finances. Membership remains strong Brigade membership continues at a high level with 30 operational firefighters, 13 Support members

and one Junior member. We have welcomed two recruits who have commenced training as replacements for retiring operational members. There is now an increasing number of qualified firefighters available during week-days. Recently, we held a family lunch that was attended by CFA CEO Lucinda Nolan. After the meal, Lucinda presented service awards to our members recognising 295 years of service to the CFA. Given that Maiden Gully was only established in 1998, some of this service has been with other CFA Brigades!

Small mistakes can cause fires, don’t run the risk In 2015 there were 3,211 preventable house fires in Victoria and many more close calls that go unreported. Most house fires are caused by someone making a mistake – a moment of carelessness, forgetfulness or neglect. House fires happen all year round but tend to be more frequent in winter due to the use of heaters and clothes driers. Most fatal fires occur in the home and can be prevented. In 2015 there were 9 preventable residential fatalities in Victoria. Here are some tips to help prevent a house fire: • Never leave your cooking unattended; small distractions lead to fires which can cause

serious injury and damage to your home. • Make sure candles, incense and oil burners are kept away from anything that can catch fire

and are extinguished before leaving home or going to bed. • Be careful not to overload your power boards, or leave electrical appliances plugged in for

long periods of time. • Always clean the lint filter on your clothes dryer after each load of washing. • Keep clothing and curtains at least one metre away from your heaters. • When you are at home, keep the keys in your deadlocks for an easy exit.

The cooler weather also sees our members doing most of our annual fundraising. In late April, we conducted the now biennial Monster Garage Sale at the Fire Station. We thank all community members who donated goods to this cause or came along on the day. Our regular weekly firewood raffle is underway alternating between Friday evening and Saturday morning outside Maiden Gully IGA. Much of the wood being raffled was donated by Balgownie Estate and has been cut up and split by our members. The raffles are also a chance to talk to one of your local firefighters about the Brigade and to collect a fire safety brochure to help you prepare for a fire safe winter. You could also look at the

“Your Safety” section on our website (www.maidengullycfa.org.au). Always register your bonfire or burn-off Call: 1800 668 511 Email: burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au Keep your burn-off safe and legal:

• Never leave it unattended • Monitor weather conditions • Have sufficient water and equipment to stop the fire spreading • Check Council Local Laws

These actions help ensure that firefighters are not called out unnecessarily. June 2016