Learn how to stay fire safe in Venus Bay and surrounds

Tarwin Lower and District CFA is holding a summer bushfire information event at Jupiter Park, Venus Bay, this Saturday January 4 at 10.30am.
People will hear responses to questions such as where to go in the event of a fire, what to do with their pets, what to do if the road is closed, and what information to leave for guests.
The brigade’s Captain Mick Moore will be available to chat and answer questions after attendees hear from him and other speakers.
Mick will talk about the importance of people having the Vic Emergency App on their phones, outlining the timely information that provides and how that is of value.
“They get notified when we do, and then hopefully they’ve got a plan and can put it in action, for example leave early,” Mick said.
He’ll also provide information on ensuring you have an up-to-date plan, along with urging people to understand fire danger ratings and encouraging them to check those frequently.
Attendees will hear from South Gippsland Group Officer Rob Higgins about operational matters.
South Gippsland Shire Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator James Bremner will speak.
Mick stressed there is no place of last resort in Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay or Walkerville.
“We’re one of the 52 hotspots in Victoria, and there’s nowhere suitable to have a gathering point,” he said.
“That’s why we’re pushing to have a plan to leave early.
“Because we’ve only got one road coming in and out of town, it’s important to get out if everything goes pear-shaped.”
Tarwin Lower and District CFA places a strong emphasis on community engagement and has long run sessions for Walkerville community members on the first Friday of each summer month at the fire station there.
That is especially important with only the Walkerville Road and Fish Creek Road to get in and out and the area being heavily treed. 
Everyone brings a plate of food to the Walkerville sessions, which have not only ensured community members are focused on fire safety but have also enabled people to get to know other locals.
Tarwin Lower and District CFA has had a busy time recently, with a New Year’s Eve barbecue sparking a fire in Venus Bay’s First Estate and left over ashes from a spit triggering another blaze in the town’s Second Estate a couple of days later.
While a drum was used for the barbecue and a pit was dug, the fire was situated too close to cured grass, the householder finding his front yard on fire after ducking inside to get his meat.
The fire spread into a neighbouring vacant block, with Mick saying it is a good example of the value of awareness sessions to ensure community members are mindful of taking necessary precautions.
Saturday’s session will be at the Jupiter Boulevard playground.