As the bush fire season approaches, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging householders to visit their local Rural Fire Service during the annual Get Ready Weekend.

“Our wonderful Rural Fire Service volunteers are helping local residents prepare with their annual Get Ready Weekend events being held across Gilmore,” Mrs Phillips said.

Most RFS stations will hold events will be held this weekend, September 21 and 22, however some are being held the following weekend, and couple not until October.

“We’ve already had some hot, windy weather and a few bush fires in the region, so it's crucial for residents and landowners to be aware of their risk and to take steps to protect their homes and properties,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The Get Ready Weekend events provide valuable information and resources to ensure you're ready for the upcoming bush fire season.

“Our RFS volunteers are gearing up for summer and welcome this opportunity to connect with local residents, especially those who may be new to the area, and unsure about the fire risk.

“They can provide information, advice and ensure you're well-prepared for the bush fire season.”

The RFS advises having a bush fire survival plan will ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what to do if their home is threatened by fire.

Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters and checking that hoses can reach all around the house.

Mrs Phillips said the Albanese Government is ensuring the region is better prepared for future fire events across Australia.

Through the 2024-25 Budget, the Government will provide an additional $35 million over the next two years to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which supports the delivery of national, state and territory aircraft for use by fire and emergency services.

This investment will deliver a broader range of aerial assets, moving from specific firefighting aircraft to a mix of fixed-wing and rotary multi-use assets, significantly strengthening protection for communities in Gilmore as they continue to face a more natural disasters into the future.

“Since the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires that devastated South Coast, there have been calls for the government to do more,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Our community has been calling for a greater capability to respond to disasters since the region was impacted so badly by fires, and again by flooding, so it’s really good to see the Government continuing its commitment to keeping us safe.

“These assets will be invaluable in protecting lives and property, halting the spread of fires, and supporting efforts on the ground, especially in difficult-to-access areas of our region.

“This is a fantastic step forward to ensure we are prepared for whatever comes our way in the future, and will be welcome news to disaster-prone communities.”

Over the last 12 months, the Albanese Government has held 75 National Coordination Mechanisms including briefings to priority sectors such as aged care, disability, media and Local Government.

“We have delivered Crisis Appreciation and Strategic Planning training across Australia and delivered Exercise Aurora which brings governments and industry for a space weather simulation,” Mrs Phillips said.

“We have launched the National Emergency Management Stockpile Standing Offer Panel and continuing to build on the physical stockpile and committed more than $3 billion towards risk reduction and resilience.”

Local Get Ready Weekend events in the Shoalhaven, Kiama and Eurobodalla council areas will be held at:

• Jamberoo RFS: 29/9/24 from 9am – 2pm
• Gerringong RFS 21/9/24 from 10am – 1pm
• Kangaroo Valley RFS 21/9/24 from 10am - 2pm
• Cambewarra RFS 21/9/24 from 10am – 2pm
• Shoalhaven Heads RFS 22/9/24 from 10am – 2pm
• West Nowra RFS 22/9 from 10am – 2pm
• Currarong RFS 6/10/24 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Huskisson RFS 22/9/24 from 10am – 2pm
• Tomerong RFS 21/9/24 from 8am – 1pm
• Wandandian RFS 20/9/24 from 8am – 3pm
• Basin View RFS 22/9/24 from 10.30am – 1pm
• Sussex Inlet RFS 22/9/24 from 9am - 3pm
• Wreck Bay RFS 21/9/24 from 11am – 2pm
• Cudmirrah RFS 5/10/24 from 10am – 12pm
• Manyana RFS 22/9/24 from 9.30am – 1pm
• Lake Conjola RFS 13/10/24 from 9.30am – 11.30am
• Milton RFS 21/9/24 from 9am – 12pm
• Lake Tabourie RFS 22/9/24 from 10am – 1pm
• Kioloa RFS 6/10/24 from 9am – 1pm
• Durras North RFS 5/10/24 from 11.30am – 2pm
• Long Beach RFS 21/9/24 from 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Surf Beach RFS 21/9/24 from 10am – 2pm
• Mogo RFS 6/10/24 from 10am – 2pm
• Moruya RFS 5/10/24 from 9am – 1pm
• Bingi RFS 21/9/24 from 10am – 2pm
• Tuross Head RFS 21/9/24 from 9am – 12pm

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips talks to Manyana RFS volunteers.

Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967