The Goldfields get prepared

On Sunday 21 September, the Goldfields Group, a group of brigades that operate across the Central Goldfields Shire in central Victoria, had their annual group training. 

The exercise was coordinated by District Group Officer Matt Sinclar and supported by Group Officer Higgins and members from the Goldfields group of brigades. 

Members from Bealiba, Bowenvale, Carisbrook, Dunolly, Maryborough, Moolort and Joyces Creek, Natte Yallock, and Talbot fire brigades were present.  

The brigades were firstly given an overview of the new Natte Yallock ultra heavy tanker and the Golden Square support vehicle.  

This ultra heavy tanker is the first of its kind in the district and Commander Hugh Kelly said it was a great opportunity for the brigades to get familiar with it.  

“The ultra heavy tanker will be a great support due to the lack of surface water across the municipality for both grass and scrub fires and remote structure fires,” he said.  

“The Golden Square support vehicle automatically responds to all structure fires to support incident controllers by providing rehab and welfare, firefighter decontamination procedures, breathing apparatus cylinders and protective clothing transport.” 

Each brigade also ran through a series of drills including tanker tactics for a running grass fire, building fire, big fill operations, erecting a ladder, structure fire, Hazmat awareness, burn-offs and water aircraft filling.  

Hugh said both the group management team and the brigade management teams in the area have been really proactive and encouraged building of capability through training in the lead up to this season.  

“It has been great to see the steps the group and brigades are taking to ensure we are as ready for the season ahead as we can be,” he said.  

“Great work Goldfields Group and brigades.”