In another proactive step towards bushfire preparedness, the Strathewen community has used a 2024 Nillumbik Community Fund (NCF) grant as well as funding from the Strathewen Bushfire Relief Company to improve access to critical emergency information on high fire danger days.
Thanks to the funding, local residents have been able to purchase subsidised digital listening sets—giving them direct access to real-time fire-fighting radio communications.
The listening sets play a crucial role in keeping communities informed, providing immediate and localised updates from fire crews on the ground.
Before the Black Saturday fires in 2009, many Strathewen and Arthurs Creek residents relied on the analogue versions of these devices, often sharing information with neighbours via phone trees. However, the analogue system has been closed down, leaving the community without a reliable alternative during dangerous fire seasons.
Lisal O'Brien, a Strathewen local who led the project, and the recipient of the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award at the Nillumbik Community Awards, highlighted the importance of these devices in local bushfire safety efforts.
"Grants from Nillumbik Council and Strathewen Bushfire Relief Trust enabled us to provide affordable listening sets to our community and give both schools a unit. The listening sets provide real-time radio traffic from the local brigade at an incident allowing listeners to gather information needed to keep themselves safe," she said.
Rose McKimmie whose family goes back generations in the area, said she had had an analogue listening set for years. "It was really handy during Black Saturday, but it doesn't work anymore. Thanks to Lisal who organised the grant to buy these new digital ones," she said.
Darren Bradshaw, is a member of the local CFA and the Strathewen Bushfire Relief Company, which was established after Black Saturday to help community members to navigate the intricacies of the various levels of government and initiatives.
He said the listening sets benefit approximately 150 residents in the Strathewen area.
Mayor John Dumaresq said that the Nillumbik Community Fund demonstrates council's commitment to supporting and investing in community-led projects.
"Over the years, this annual funding pool has supported a wide range of community groups, organisations and clubs to deliver their initiatives to meet local needs," he said.
"I encourage all community groups and clubs to send a representative along to the upcoming information session to find our more and discuss your project with our officers."
Applications for the 2025 Nillumbik Community Fund close 23 March 2025. The information session will be held on Tuesday 18 February.
Visit the website to learn more and apply. nillumbik.vic.gov.au/NCF
Photo clockwise from top left - Lisal O'Brien, Rode, McKimmie, Darren Bradshaw, Marley, Kayden and Quinn from Strathewen Primary School.
