Bushfires on minds of many
THE current bushfires are affecting individuals and communities in many ways and here are brief responses from five well-known Beechworth identities.
BOB BENNETT has been a CFA volunteer for 30 years and has a wealth of experience at Incident Control.
“I am concerned that the public are too complacent,” he said.
“Conditions can change rapidly and everyone needs to have a detailed Bush Fire Emergency Plan.
“It is important to remember to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
CHRISTINE STEWART worked extensively with recovery programs for regional communities following the 2009 Black Saturday fires and stressed the importance of community support following the fire season.
SAM BUSSELL has been a CFA volunteer for 60 years and is now a part-time professional bulldozer spotter and support crew member.
He is full of praise for all who are fighting the fires, especially the Pritchards, ‘ The General’, ‘Beechy’, the ‘Silver Creek Team’ and those from the Chiltern Road.
“The fires in the Ovens Valley pine plantations have been fierce,” he said.
“It all depends on the winds... currently Beechworth is okay but we are worried about Bright.”
JIM DIDOLIS, owner of Freeman on Ford B&B said that the fallout from the regional fires has had a devastating effect on the local community and the tourist industry, hitting Beechworth and the region at what is usually the busiest time of the year.
“We are now working hard and hoping for a speedy recovery with a huge traditional Golden Horseshoes Festival at Easter,” he said.
Local musician MEL TOMKINS agreed that we all must be positive and support those in need whilst working towards a rapid recovery.