Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My community is so fortunate to have dedicated volunteer first responders who give their time to keep our region safe, and their commitment to keeping the community safe was shown just recently during severe storms. Our amazing SES volunteers were out at all hours of the night for multiple weeks, assisting with trees down, residents in trouble and other damage across our region. A special thanks to the Emerald SES, Upper Yarra SES, Healesville SES and Lilydale SES, who, together, went above and beyond to keep our community safe.

They were also supported by the CFA. So thank you to the SES and CFA for being there in our time of need. It has been an honour to attend many local CFA annual dinners to acknowledge their dedication to protecting our home and pay tribute to their amazing service. In the past few months, I've had the opportunity to join the Belgrave, Chirnside Park, Lilydale, Monbulk and Mooroolbark CFAs to thank them and all their brigades across Casey for keeping our community safe.

As we begin spring, it is crucial to begin preparing for summer. It's so important that we all plan and prepare, and now is the time to start cleaning up your property and discussing your household fire plan. One of the things that makes me so proud to represent Casey is our ability to stick together, and we'll continue to do that by supporting our volunteers.