CFA has joined the State Government and other key stakeholders at the launch of the government’s commemoration plans for the 10th anniversary of the 2009 bushfires.
Emergency Services Minister James Merlino and CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington spoke to members of the Strathewen community.
The government today announced plans to commemorate the 10 years since the 2009 bushfires across local government, state government and emergency services.
Like CFA, the government plans focus on the wellbeing of the communities and emergency services personnel who were directly impacted.
View the Anniversary of the 2009 Bushfires' website
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CFA has commenced discussions with impacted brigades and communities to provide support as they prepare for this significant anniversary.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington says it is essential the wellbeing of brigades, former members and the communities they serve and protect is the top priority.
“As we approach 10 years since those deadly bushfires, CFA has our people and the communities we serve at the core of our commemoration planning. Our priority is to ensure CFA people have the support they need,” Chief Officer Warrington says.
“With more than 78 Victorian communities directly impacted by 2009 bushfires, and more than 19,000 CFA members involved in frontline fighting, incident management and support behind the scenes, it is important we’re prepared to assist and support where we can now.
“Those fires changed the way we fight fires and the way we prepare the community. We lost 173 Victorians, with a further 400 injured and over 2000 homes destroyed. It was catastrophic.
“It’s important to note that while this is a significant date of remembrance for the entire state, it is going to be challenging for the people, including emergency services, community and government employees, who were directly involved in the fires and their aftermath.
‘‘While CFA also has the upcoming fire season at the front of our minds, we are also using this time in the lead up to the commemoration to look at how things have changed for us as firefighters and for the communities we serve and protect.”
For more information on the state government’s plans visit www.vic.gov.au/2009-bushfires.
CFA has a range of support services for all of our staff and volunteers to access. These include:
Peer Support Program - trained members offering support and guidance - contact your local peer coordinator or Career Firefighter Peer Coordinator.
Member Assistance Program - 24-hour phone service where you talk to trained psychologists and clinicians to help you through work and personal issues - 1300 795 711
Chaplaincy Program - offering 24-hour pastoral care - 1800 337 068
Member Wellbeing advisers - Experienced field officers available to help all staff and volunteers manage mental health and relationship issues - (03) 9262 8409 / wellbeing.intake@cfa.vic.gov.au
HeadsUP onlinetoolkit - information and advice on managing mental health and relationship issues - cfa.vic.gov.au/headsup.
Career Firefighter Peer Support - 0448 071 299
The services are confidential, free of charge and available to all CFA members and their immediate families.