New recruits boost Halls Gap one year on from fires

The Yarram Gap Road fire was ignited by dry lightning on 17 December 2024 and later merged with the Wallaby Rocks fire, ultimately burning 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land.  

Multiple emergency warnings were issued for towns around the Grampians, resulting in the loss of four homes, more than 40 outbuildings, significant stock losses and widespread disruption to business and tourism in the area. 

Halls Gap Captain Justin Cozens said the return of warmer weather naturally brings back memories of last summer. 

“Coming into this time of year, it does sit in the back of your mind,” Justin said.  

“A lot has happened over the past 12 months, and you naturally start reflecting on what the brigade and the town went through. 

“There’s still a section of the Grampians that didn’t burn, so the potential is always there.” 

Since the fires, the brigade has welcomed seven new members, with another two new potential recruits to go through General Firefighter training early next year.  

“Seeing people step up and want to be part of the brigade after such a tough year has given everyone a real lift,” Justin said. 

The past 12-months has also marked a shift in how residents, old and new, engage with the brigade. 

“Halls Gap is a transient town, and that can make getting safety messages out tricky,” Justin said.  

“But after such a big event so close to home, people are taking planning and preparation more seriously than we’ve seen in years. 

“We’ve held community events where more than a third of the town’s population have attended, which is a great result.” 

Beyond the fireground, recovery in Halls Gap has been driven by a locally led grassroots group known as the Kitchen Cabinet. 

Kitchen Cabinet member Blanche Leithhead said the group formed after a town meeting, as locals looked for ways to support one another while tourism was halted. 

“When tourists couldn’t come back, it was incredibly hard, so we focused on bringing people together,” Blanche said. 

The committee delivered dozens of community recovery events including the successful GLOW festival, held over the traditionally quieter winter months. 

“GLOW brought people back to Halls Gap, and the data shows it genuinely boosted the local economy,” Blanche said. 

The Kitchen Cabinet has since led to the formation of a formal Fire Recovery Committee, ensuring the community remains focused on recovery and preparation for future fire seasons. 

As summer approaches once again, Justin said the brigade is focused on fundamentals, ensuring members, particularly newer recruits, are confident in their roles. 

“We’re treating it like any other year. We’re hammering the basics and making sure everyone understands what’s expected when they turn out,” he said. 

“Our community is getting back on its feet. There’s real confidence heading into summer, and a strong sense that we’re moving forward together.”