Community
10 October, 2025
Brigades reiterate importance of preparation
COUNTRY Fire Authority (CFA) brigades across the district are holding Get Fire Ready sessions at their sheds this month, with last weekend seeing the Camperdown, Weerite and Derrinallum brigades opening their doors to the community.
Last Saturday saw the Derrinallum brigade host their open day, while Camperdown and Weerite held their open days the next day (Sunday, October 5).
Camperdown CFA community safety coordinator Sarah Blair said it was important to give the community the opportunity to approach their local CFA brigades in the lead-up to fire season.
“It’s really important property owners take the time to consider what’s going on at their property and fire risks – things like excessive fuel,” she said.
“You might need to have a burn off or take things to the tip – things like that to be in the best position possible for the upcoming fire season.
“It’s important people know the risks posed to them and where they live – if they’re not sure, events like the one we had are the perfect time for people to reach out to us and talk about that.
“We’re available always – it doesn’t have to be on a special weekend.
“If people are concerned, they can reach out through our Facebook page or any of the other community engagement events we hold.”
Derrinallum CFA secretary Jayde Neil said there was low attendance at the Derrinallum brigade’s open day, but the resources which would have been handed out are still available to residents who were unable to attend on Saturday.
“The Get Fire Ready campaign is allowing brigades to open their doors to the community offering practical advice and resources to help their local community prepare for the fire season,” she said.
“Victoria is heading into a reported challenging fire season, making it more prominent that residents and property owners understand the fire risk for their local area.
“You’ll see us at the next Derrinallum Town and Country Market on Sunday, November 23, where we will be available to give advice and resources to our community when we are still in the early stages of the fire season.”
Weerite CFA’s open day saw strong attendance compared to other events, with between 15-20 people visiting the brigade last Sunday.
Brigade captain Phil Whytecross said the attendance was good despite the timing of the events coinciding with the last days of the school holidays.
“We’re fairly happy with it – it went pretty well,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll pick a few more up later on – we’re going to be running a few training days.
“It’s just a bit of awareness – people are thinking about it.
“Hopefully people are starting to pick things up to get on the front foot going into the fire season.”
Darlington’s CFA brigade will be holding their event on Sunday, October 19 from 11am-1.30pm.