Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) | Hansard source

In the Grampians region of my electorate of Mallee, there were over 80 fires yesterday. One was in the adjoining electorate of Wannon, centring on the town of Pomonal, at one stage threatening the Mallee towns of Halls Gap, Bellfield and Lake Fyans. Another fire was centred in Dadswells Bridge in Mallee and has threatened Ledcourt, Roses Gap, Laharum, St Helens Plains and Wal Wal. At my last check, both fires had been downgraded to 'watch and act', which is a testament to the hard work of our firefighters and our easing conditions. I hope there is no further cause for alarm.

I want to place on record my appreciation for the Country Fire Authority volunteers and other emergency service volunteers who put their lives on the line. I am saddened that a handful of volunteer firefighters have been injured but heartened to hear reports that none of those injuries are considered serious. Reports are that a dozen homes and the Pomonal Uniting Church have been burned in the Pomonal fire—no such reports yet at the Dadswell Bridge fire. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their home, the church and their possessions. I understand relief centres are in place at Grampians Community Health Stawell, supported by the Salvation Army and Ararat. Go, our volunteers.

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