Weekly Newsletter - 3rd March 2021

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Date: 6th March - 12th march

• First Call: Crew D
• Second Call: Crew C

Called to assist PaWS with report of a fire near Ridley Rd in Malmalling. Whilst conditions were mild, rough terrain and water supply issues made containment difficult. The fire eventually escaped containment lines and burnt out 140ha before rain eventually controlled it.

Attended by: Danika, Dave R., Dave S., Keith, Rod, and Tracey.

Relief crews not deployed: Dave We., John R., Michelle, Murray., and Rob.

Station crew: Denise and Shane.

No updates.

No updates.

Attached is an excerpt from the agenda for next week's Council meeting, in which Councillor Burbidge moves to reinstate the 2021 Annual Bushfire Brigade BBQ. The proposed motion is as follows:

That Council:

1. reinstates the annual Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade BBQ event to show Council’s appreciation for our volunteer brigades and the work they have undertaken to protect our community; and
2. amends the 2020/21 budget to provide for the cost of $10,000 to stage the event, which will be funded from the Shire’s existing budget provision of $25,000 for general catering expenses.

Councillor Burbidge goes on to provide the following information:

Our volunteer bushfire brigades work tirelessly to protect our community from fire events. They commit a large portion of their time voluntarily to undertaking this important role. The recent Wooroloo Fire highlighted the selfless work these volunteers undertake and an annual BBQ is a small token towards thanking our fire volunteers. From a psychological first aid perspective an event such as a BBQ get together can provide a mechanism for brigades to interact together and share stories of the year’s events.

Anyone interested in supporting this motion is encouraged to attend the Council Meeting on Tuesday the 9th of March. Council Meetings include an opportunity for interested parties to make deputations in support of, or opposing, proposed motions. It is expected that this motion will receive the support of Council.

This event will be an excellent opportunity to the raise the profile of our Brigade and promote volunteering. There are still a couple of spots available (refer attached roster), if you can assist on the day, can you please contact Vicki.

Who would like to ‘volunteer’ to spend a couple of hours at the Parky Tavern…? This event was discussed at the last meeting, and following discussions with the event organisers, it would be great if we could have a presence on the day. If you can spare an hour or two, or available to drive the Austin to and from the event please contact Vicki.

• Saturday : Training - Radios, 09:30 at the Station
• Tuesday : Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew D

• ABC News: Bushfires in south-west WA impacted by global trend of drying Mediterranean climates
• BoM: Climate and Water Outlook for autumn 2021, issued 25 February 2021