Bushfire risk tipped to be lower in southwest
SOUTHWEST Victoria is predicted to escape the worst of the bushfire conditions this summer but authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant.
The 2019 Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released yesterday says conditions around the Geelong region should be much improved on the dire predictions at this time last year, but CFA deputy chief officer Alen Slijepcevic warned fires could start at any time given the right ingredients.
“An average fire season is bad enough in Victoria. It doesn’t mean there won’t be one day out of the box,” he said. “Once late spring and summer kicks in and the drying of the grass starts, we can expect we can have a fire. There’s always a possibility of having a bad fire day if we have a strong wind. For a grass fire, we just need wind really.”
While good winter rain has been a godsend for farmers of the region, it also potentially means more growth and more fuel for fires.
Mr Slijepcevic said selfcombusting haystacks were also still a risk, such as the one that kept firefighters busy for more than 24 hours at Murgheboluc in January.
He said predictions of below average rainfall in the coming months meant fire fuel may dry out quickly and become more flammable than normal as the season progressed.
“The agencies will be as ready as we can be in preparation, but that’s only part of the equation. The other part of the equation is for communities to be prepared and now is the time to start doing that,” Mr Slijepcevic said. STUDENTS at Kardinia International College are this week celebrating the school’s diversity.
A range of activities have been held to mark International Week.
Kite flying on the main oval celebrated the Middle East, while pupils explored South Asia with a Bollywood dance group performance and student workshop and a lion dance paid tribute to East Asia.
The school’s studentled International Committee has planned and set up workshops, games and stories for the celebrations.
Principal Catherine Lockhart said the students had a terrific time.
“One of our aims is educating our students to a profound sense of internationalism where an understanding, acceptance and respect for different cultures, different religions and different ways of life become a hallmark of their character,” Mrs Lockhart said.
“International Week features wonderful cultural exhibitions and workshops including Bollywood dancing, kite flying and the spectacular lion dance for all senior and junior school students to enjoy.
“Bollywood dancing is a unique and fun way to tell a story celebrated in Indian films and popular with students of all ages.”