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

On 15 and 16 March, the Montrose community was impacted by a devastating bushfire. Montrose CFA and other local crews were initially called at 2 pm on the Saturday to the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve. The fire quickly spread; however, the firefighters did an amazing job to get it under control. Unfortunately, at 10 pm that evening, the fire broke out again, breaking containment lines and sending embers down residential streets. Sadly, one house was lost and many were damaged. Over 200 firefighters fought the blaze long into the afternoon and the night. Firefighters came from all across our community to keep the Montrose community safe. They were supported by FRV, Forest Fire Management, SES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria. I also want to thank the Montrose football club and the Kilsyth Cobras for opening up their stadiums and reserves as emergency hubs for residents. Luckily, we had a downpour on Sunday morning that helped to control the fire. Thank you and well done to captain of the Montrose CFA, Matt, and also his full team, including Liz, the communications officer who did an amazing job keeping the community updated. It was great to be with her and the team at the Montrose Community Festival on Sunday, where so many residents wanted to thank the CFA and the Montrose CFA and thank Liz for her work on telling them when there was an emergency and what to do. We're so lucky to have such amazing volunteers in our community. (Time expired)