Wandong Rural Fire Brigade
Rail Street, (P.O. Box 306) Wandong 3758 Phone: (03) 5787 1248
TRAINING - every Sunday from 9:30am and 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month from 7.00pm
Captain: Yorin Miller
1st Lieutenant: Liam Edwards
2nd Lieutenant: Terry Roberts
3rd Lieutenant: Heath McSolvin
4th Lieutenant: Natasha Lasota
President: Brian Dove
Secretary: Helen McMahon
Treasurer: Michelle Kendrick
Communications Officer: Yvette Curlis
Community Safety Coordinator Kylie Shingles
Health and Safety Officer Craig Davis
Chairperson Sandra O'Conner
Training
Training is held on the first and third Wednesday night of the month starting at 7pm. If you are interested in attending a training session to see if joining the Brigade is right for you, contact Lt Liam Edwards on 0424 896 824 or drop in to the station on a training night.
Fire Fighting Equipment Sales and Service
Wandong Fire Brigade is able to sell you firefighting equipment for your business, home or vehicle. We can provide you with many types and sizes of Fire extinguishers, Fire Blankets and Hose Reels. All profits generated go directly to Wandong Fire Brigade to help us maintain our equipment.
Contact Geoff McMahon on 5787 1248 for sales or service.
Community Recruitment
If you would like to join the Wandong Rural Fire Brigade please contact Terry Roberts (2nd Lieutenant) for more details or information wandongcfa@hotmail.com
CFA Burn-Off Line 1800 668 511
Website: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/burning-off/
FEBRUARY 2019 
Wandong Fire Brigade thanks the community for their support and donations during 2018. We are motivated to continue our work in 2019 and look forward to your continued support.
The 10 Year Anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires February 2019 marks the 10 Year Anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, one of the most significant natural disasters Victoria has experienced. It is a time to reflect and remember those who died in the bushfires, and learn about how the fires changed the lives of many, and how communities have rebuilt. A horrific day, week and month that also gave us amazing demonstrations of community bravery and spirit. Individuals and communities will have different ways of commemorating the 10 year anniversary.
As the anniversary approaches, people may experience different emotional, physical and psychological reactions. These feelings are normal and on most occasions, will subside again within a few weeks as part of the body’s natural healing and recovery process. There are strategies you can use to cope with these strong feelings, including accepting that you have had a distressing or frightening experience, rest, exercise and talking with friends, family and other community members. You can find more coping strategies at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. If you or a loved one need some extra support during this time, do not be afraid to speak up and reach out. There are many places you can go to for help. Depending on the challenges you are experiencing, you can speak with your local doctor, a mental health professional or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Total Fire Ban days
Victoria has already had a number of Total Fire Ban days this season. It is important to be aware of what is permitted during the Fire Danger Period, and on Total Fire Ban days. Police will be called if people are starting or allowing fires to remain lit on Total Fire Ban days.
All camp fires, fires for warmth or personal comfort are banned during Total Fire Ban Days. Solid and liquid fuel barbecues and ovens (including hangis) are also banned during Total Fire Ban Days.
Solid Fuel barbecues are banned in the open air on Total Fire Ban Days.
All fires in the open air for burning off grass, scrub, stubble or rubbish are banned during Total Fire Ban Days. All permits issued by Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are suspended for the duration of any Total Fire Ban Day. Any existing fires, including those that were allowed under an exemption or permit for the Fire Danger Period, are prohibited and must be completely extinguished before the Total Fire Ban begins.
For further information on what is and what is not permitted see https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
Fire Information in an Emergency
During an emergency, Wandong Fire Brigade is not always able to update their facebook page immediately as our admin are all volunteer firefighters, and their priority is to attend to the incident. Updates will be made as soon as practicable.
Check out these sources for official information during a fire or other emergency.
CFA Facebook page (facebook.com/cfavic) CFA Twitter (twitter.com/CFA_Updates) ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters VicEmergency Incidents (http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/) VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
Wandong Fire Brigade will be recruiting new daytime firefighters!
Wandong Fire Brigade is a 100% volunteer brigade made up of people living in the Wandong / Heathcote Junction area. Recent Total Fire Ban days on weekdays have highlighted our need to increase our daytime firefighter numbers again. We are currently looking for new people who are available during weekday daytime hours to join the brigade and train as firefighters.
All training is provided, and is nationally accredited. There is no financial expense to volunteers, just your time and commitment. Uniforms are provided and it is a great way to meet new people and form friendships, develop new skills and have greater involvement in your local community.
Active members also have the opportunity to gain valuable transferable qualifications including first aid certificates and truck licenses. If you are interested in hearing more about becoming a firefighter with Wandong Fire Brigade please call Captain Yorin Miller 0418 568 598 or Lt Liam Edwards on 0424 896 824.
Training
Training has resumed on Wednesday nights starting at 7pm at the fire station. Daytime training sessions will continue this year, with the day and time to be confirmed. For more information contact Lt Liam Edwards on 0424 896 824.