Thursday, 7 March 2024

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:50): The community spirit and resilience of western Victorians is something I am so very proud of, and I am absolutely proud of what I have seen throughout February and March as we faced extreme weather and tackled the devastating impacts of fires. We have seen the best sides of humanity, with everyone focused on ensuring that lives were protected. I would like to pay tribute to all of our volunteers from the CFA and the SES and everyone who volunteered to ensure the evacuation centres were ready to provide support and relief. What was equally profound was the influx of volunteers from across the state and the country. All hands were on deck as Forest Fire Management Victoria, along with the CFA crews, set up base camp at Victoria Park at Ballarat, and it was set up in record time to support 300 fire crews who travelled from far afield to protect our communities. This was extraordinary work in extraordinary times, and I am so grateful for all of it. I know every shire in the region was on high alert to protect and support their communities, but I would like to really acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the Pyrenees shire, the Ararat Rural City Council, Golden Plains shire, Southern Grampians shire and of course the City of Ballarat, who I know work tirelessly to protect their communities. Everyone was and is remarkable, and I can assure my electorate that I recognise the devastation that we have faced and continue to face. I am here to say that I will work with you to ensure that Western Victoria not only rebuilds but also thrives into the future.