Community groups and individuals helping to reduce the risk and impact of fire across Victoria have been recognised at the 2015 Fire Awareness Awards.
Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett and Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville presented awards to 18 recipients at tonight’s ceremony at the RACV Club.
Awards were presented in nine categories this year, with winners ranging from community-led prevention programs to recovery projects in areas affected by bushfires.
Among the winners were the Indigenous Fire Knowledge Project and the Black Hill Reserve Fire Recovery Initiative which were both awarded the RACV Insurance Award for Excellence.
The Fire Awareness Awards have been running for more than 30 years. It is coordinated by Victoria’s three firefighting agencies – MFB, CFA and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
More than 80 nominations were received, with 31 shortlisted as finalists.
For more information on this year’s winners, visit fireawarenessawards.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett
“The Fire Awareness Awards recognise dedicated community groups and individuals who do fantastic work to keep our communities safe.”
“I congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists, who have each contributed to building a safer and more resilient state.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville
“Our judges have had a very difficult task selecting this year’s winners, given all of the great work that goes into improving fire prevention and awareness in this state.”
“I thank our firefighting agencies for organising these fantastic awards and look forward to next year, where the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will host the awards.”
2015 Fire Awareness Awards winners:
Access and Inclusion
- Spark of Brilliance, led by Federation University Students Hailey Vassallo, Barb Brokenshire, John Dallimore and Terri White.
Community-led Prevention and Preparedness (Community)
- Indigenous Fire Knowledge Project led by Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups
- East Gippsland Building Community Resilience led by East Gippsland Network of Neighbourhood Houses and Centre for Rural Communities
Community-led Prevention and Preparedness (Industry)
- Wimmera fire prevention partnership, led by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority
- Working as one in South Gippsland!, led by South Gippsland Shire Council
Education
- “Survive and Thrive” program led by Anglesea Primary School
Fire Service Award for Local-led Prevention and Preparedness
- New parents’ safety program, led by CFA Diamond Creek Brigade
Fire Service Award for Partnership
- Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide, Trial 2014/15 led by CFA
Fire Service Award for a Project of Statewide Significance
- MFB Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Project, led by MFB
Innovation and Design
- Medium Pumper, led by SEM Fire and Rescue
Media
- Fire risk caused by the use of non-compliant building products, Katherine Towers The Australian
Recovery (Community)
- South West Goulburn Landcare Network Community Fire Recovery Initiative, led by South West Goulburn Landcare Network
- Landcare-led Recovery After 2014 Mickleham-Kilmore Fires, led by Upper Maribyrnong Catchment Landcare Group
Recovery (Industry)
- Black Hill Reserve Fire Recovery, led by Macedon Shire Ranges Council
RACV Insurance Awards for Excellence of $5,000 each
- Black Hill Reserve Fire Recovery, led by Macedon Shire Ranges Council
- Indigenous Fire Knowledge Project, led by Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups
Fire Services Special Incentive Grants of $2,000 each
- Behind The Seen Emergency Services See What Others Don't, by Behind the Seen
- Bushfires: Preparing to Leave Early - A guide for people with an intellectual disability, by Inclusion Melbourne
Reviewed 10 February 2021