Whilst resources have been focused on the fire in the Grampians, local CFA members assisted at the Beyond the Valley Music Festival which attracted thousands of community members.
The festival, in its third year, ran for five days from Saturday, December 28 until Wednesday, January 1, with music, arts, and people camping out for the festival.
CFA Commander Gavin Fitzgerald said we’re involved in planning and response before and during the festival ensuring the local community and festival-goers are protected.
“The challenge for local CFA is that given the farming area, most members are employed in agriculture and this event coincided with peak harvest production,” Gavin said.
“We’re fortunate to have members not just from Wingeel Brigade area but from wider afield in the district to support our local people for these peak periods.
“Not only is CFA there to protect those at the festival, [but] a big emphasis is on ensuring the land around the event stayed safe too.
“It is a big event in the middle of a paddock in summer, there are lots of risks to be managed.
“Having 40,000 people attending and being the size of a regional town, this event adds additional support resourcing from local members.”
Crews at the festival worked within the Beyond The Valley Emergency Coordination Center keeping festivalgoers safe, especially during a nearby grassfire in Inverleigh on Monday, December 30, 2024.
The fire burned through more than 70 hectares but thanks to the great work of CFA volunteers there was no threat to those at the festival.
“It was great to see so many people having fun over New Year’s [Eve] and it is a good feeling knowing our people are there to help them and the community this festival runs in stay safe,” Gavin said.
