Good save by Goornong and Elmore

A small grass and scrub fire in the rear of a property at the Cnr Mayreef Rd and Collins Rd provided a distraction for Goornong and Elmore brigades on Tuesday 3rd Feb. The fire had some potential to be a problem with the warm conditions and prevailing winds. The fire was started by a fallen power line in the rear of the property and quickly spread along the grass towards the main house and derelict structure at rear getting into dead trees around the house. The gusty wind picking up embers with a potential to spot in the stubble paddock adjacent. The Goornong and Elmore crew quickly extinguished and blacked out ensuring the scene was safe. Good work Denis, Sharon and Dave Christie.  Photos show offending pole and burnt grass area.

Combined Goornong, Elmore and Huntly Training Day NDTG

In late October (yep I know a bit late with pics) Goornong, Elmore and Huntly brigades shared a joint training exercise at the Northern District Training Ground. We ran through remote structure fires, pole fires and running petrol fires. The crews joined in the spirit and worked well together, quickly developing a rapport and camaraderie each other.

On left Goornong crew arriving and commencing the 38mm hose lay.
Center the pole fire which rapidly turned into a grass and scrub (unplanned)
and right is the combined teams attacking the running petrol fire.

A good day was had by all and provide an opportunity for skills development and interaction with our neighboring brigades.

Is this our new mascot??

art work by Tracey P Dec 09 (copyright)

Official Handover of GoornongTanker 2

In October we final had the official handover of Goornong Tanker 2. Brigades from the neighbouring area helped us celebrate this day and included Junourtoun, Elmore, Axedale and Huntly. Region 2 was represented by Dale Stemmer. The hand over was conducted by Jacinata Allan MP, Member for Bendigo East. Also in attendance were members of Northgate Minerals, and the Elmore Field days committee who provided valuable support in acquiring the tanker. City of Greater Bendigo was represented by Mayor Kevin Gibbins. BBQ lunch followed with Jacinta Allan presenting the annual firefighter of the year award. This year we had joint winners - congratulations to Keith and Sharon both well deserving of the award.

Goornong School Plantation FR burn

On Tuesday 3 Nov the brigade commenced its program of fuel reduction burns around the township. The old school plantation block behind the pool required our attention. The block had not been cleaned or managed for some years. One of our volunteers donated his time and bobcat to help clear understory and leaf litter in preparation for the burn. (Thanks Peter) I am not sure how much we actually pulled out but in a lot of the area the leaf litter was 6 to 8 inches deep. We commenced the burn around 6.30pm after each member was given an opportunity to present a brief summary of how they would approach the burn. The pictures tell the rest. The burn was reasonably successful, but not all that clean, and provided challenges for the members in relation to changing weather condition, significant treed areas and hazards on the ground. At the end a job well done.

Fire Awareness Day - Goornong Primary School

The Goornong Primary School had a fire awareness day during October. The whole school participated with Gary, the CFA Community Ed guy keeping the kids entertained while delivering an important message about keeping themselves safe. Garry provide some highly entertaining practical approaches which brought some interesting comments and lots of laughs for the kids.

After the indoor session the grade prep to 3 had a chance to go over Goornong Tanker 2 and have a play with some of the equipment including using the live reel with a new Protek 361 monitor. A number of us almost got wet but wasn't through lack of trying on the students part. The 4 to 6 grades unfortunately missed an opportunity as luck would have it we got a fire call to a grass and scrub.

Thanks to Gary, the Community Ed guy and Lex, principal Goornong PS

Recent news article on Goornong CFA

The Goornong Brigade recently figured in an article in the Bendigo Miner. A copy of the article is seen on left. The article provided an opportunity thank publicly those organisation who helped fund new equipment.