Victorian community groups have been celebrated for their innovative fire prevention and safety work at the 2016 Fire Awareness Awards, recognising grassroots projects that make a difference in reducing the incidence and impact of fire in Victoria.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio last night congratulated the winners at the awards ceremony.
Twelve awards and a special commendation were handed out to recipients in categories such as preparedness, education, partnerships, recovery and innovation and design.
The Home Fire Awareness Project by the Association of Hazaras in Victoria and The Best Laid Plans organised by Jan Osmotherly from Rural Fire Tales were both awarded Fire Services Special Incentive Grants of $2000.
The Home Fire Awareness Project aims to educate the Afghan community in the City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong about how to reduce the risk of fires in the home by translating useful information into Dari.
The Best Laid Plans project features a short film which focusses on decision-making before, during and after a fire.
The $10,000 RACV Insurance Award for Excellence was awarded to the best community project – the Ready2Go Program by Echo Youth and Family Services Inc., Cockatoo Township Committee and the Cardinia Shire Council.
The Ready2Go program matches vulnerable members of the community with local volunteers and features a community training manual.
The awards, which have been running for over 30 years, are coordinated by the three firefighting agencies – the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Country Fire Authority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
For more information on award winners and the categories, visit:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“I congratulate everyone who worked hard to reduce the risk and impact of fire across Victoria this year. These award winners are very deserving and in good company.”
“The Fire Awareness Awards are a fantastic way to recognise individuals and groups for their hard work in making our communities safer, stronger and better prepared to fires.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Fire Awareness Awards highlight the amazing work of everyday Victorians who go out of their way to protect people, their homes, businesses and the environment from fire.”
“The number of grass roots projects represented in the awards this year is a testament to the outstanding efforts of Victorians working with the emergency management sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020