Wonthaggi members have been using the reach of community radio for the past two years to put out safety messages to their community.
The one-hour monthly show on 3MFM was the brain child of Captain Kim O’Connor who became involved with the radio station through business advertising.
“Kim and I go live with a presenter,” says 3rd Lieutenant Dave Walters who also works for CFA as a community liaison bushfire engagement officer. “It’s a very relaxed chat format that tends to follow the safety campaigns – change your clocks, winter fire safety, summer preparedness, clearing up around your property.
“We also talk about Fire Safe Kids or share general information about training we’re undertaking and jobs we’ve attended. If we’ve turned out to, say, a chimney fire, we’ll put out a safety message around the issue.”
The two also discuss local community events the brigade is turning out to and give away a fire blanket and smoke alarm every month.
Author: Leith Hillard