News & Information

Nominate A Fire Safety Hero Today!

Wednesday 2 July 2008

Now is the time to recognise ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve fire safety in Victoria.

The states fire agencies, MFB, CFA and DSE, are now calling for entries for the 2008 Fire Awareness Awards, which reward the hard work and initiatives of individuals, groups and organisations in reducing the incidence and impact of fire in Victoria.

Application categories in 2008 include community, education, government and municipal, media, fire services and industry. 

The 2007 winners include a program where prisoners worked to restore fences destroyed by bushfire in the King Valley area and a government initiative that saw interactive workshops being held for aged care facility operators to help raise their awareness about bushfire emergencies.

The RACV Insurance Fire Safety Grant, worth $10,000, and special incentive grants worth up to $2,000 each are also on offer to eligible individuals, groups and organisations.

RACV Insurance General Manager Susan Allen said the Fire Awareness Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have made improvements to fire safety, thereby helping to make our community a safer place.

Last year’s RACV grant went to an initiative from CFA Region 14 volunteers.  They are using the funds to develop a digital fire training simulator to enable the public and firefighters to learn to use a fire extinguisher through digital technology while improving safety and the impact on the environment.

MFB Acting Commander Steve Watts said that the awards were an opportunity for Victoria’s fire authorities to acknowledge and reward the community for their fire prevention and safety efforts.

“This is an excellent opportunity to be acknowledged for developing an educational program, an activity, a research or recovery project, or an item of equipment that works towards improving fire safety in the community.

“We encourage people from all walks of life to enter. Each year, we are amazed by the efforts of individuals and groups who get on the front foot to respond to the threat of fire.

“Anyone can be a fire safety hero and it’s pleasing to be able to salute the efforts of the community through these awards,” he said.

Applications for the Fire Awareness Awards close on 22 August 2008. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at the RACV City Club in October.

For more information about the Fire Awareness Awards or to receive an application, visit www.mfb.vic.gov.au, email fireawards@mfb.vic.gov.au or call 9665 4464.