Bright sparks finalists in fire awards

TWO local projects have been named as finalists in this year’s Fire Awareness Awards.

Run by Victoria’s fire agencies – Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) – the finalists will be acknowledged at a ceremony in Melbourne in early December.

The Cape Otway Fuel Reduction and Ecological Burns Program, led by Conservation Ecology Centre, is a finalist; as is the Forrest and Barwon Downs Communities “Bushfire Scenario – Know your Risks and Determine your Options” project, led by Forrest Neighbourhood House and Forrest and District Community Group.

Community groups, industry and government agencies submitted entries to the awards.

“The quality of this year’s entries was outstanding, demonstrating that Victorians understand the importance of fire awareness and safety,” Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said.

“The nominations acknowledge the effort that community groups and industry members put into helping protect their communities.”

“We look forward to congratulating all finalists and presenting the awards at the ceremony in December.”

The awards have been presented for more than 30 years by Victoria’s fire agencies and are supported by RACV Insurance, ABC Radio Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria.

RACV Insurance will be awarding the RACV Insurance Award for Excellence worth $10,000 for the most outstanding application.

For more information, head to fireawarenessawards.com.au.