Emergency services win community awards

LOCAL emergency services including Heathcote police, Heathcote Fire Brigade, Mount Camel Rural Fire Brigade and Heathcote SES were all recognised in the Local Hero Awards for their role in keeping the community safe through a range of awareness programs and also by responding to emergencies as they unfolded.

Heathcote police’s dual roles in preventing and solving crime were given special mention.

Advance Heathcote treasurer Sherrie Coote said local police were approachable and a part of the community.

“Whatever the need, signing a stat dec, a question about your rights, responding to extreme behaviours that threaten others, crimes, road accidents or COVID-19 policing,” she said.

“Our police are there to respond to community safety concerns, resolve disputes, and investigate crime with the overall goal of keeping our community safe.”

Ms Coote said both Heathcote Fire Brigade and Mount Camel Rural Fire Brigade provided emergency responses as well as fire safety initiatives.

“Heathcote Fire Brigade has been protecting Heathcote and district since 1902 and its mission is to protect lives and properties,” she said.

“Their volunteer members are mums, dads, farmers, students, young and old who are firefighters or in support roles,” she said. “Our local fire brigade is a busy station.”

Coming in for special mention was Mount Camel brigade’s engagement with local landowners.

“They are proactive in connecting with new residents, many who have moved from the city to living in the bush, to educate them to be fire-ready with up-to-date fire plans and to be prepared to leave early,” she said.

Ms Coote also praised the work of Heathcote SES.

“The SES helped our community prepare for the recent floods with sandbagging and were quick to offer practical assistance to local residents whose houses were inundated by the severe floods,” she said.

“Many of us have experienced fallen trees on local roads after storms and are appreciative of the quick SES response to clear tress and road access.

“Our recent emergencies have put on show the teamwork among local emergency service providers and their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Heathcote’s citizens.”