Lions Alert Program - Victorian Bushfires

9 January 2007 - Lions Still on Alert

Bush fires have now raged for a period of six weeks throughout an alpine and rural region in the State of Victoria. This conflagration has now devastated an area in excess of one million hectares and is still burning.

There has been considerable attendant loss of property, stock and livelihood for many hundreds of people who live in the affected area. Australia is currently experiencing the worst drought in its recorded history and the demand for water to fight the bush fires has now caused water to be a critical factor for those in the burnt-out area – for both human and stock animals.

The greater part of this devastation is located within the boundaries of District 201V3.

This District has 62 Lions Clubs of which 12 are located on/or inside the fire line, with another 16 clubs (in close proximity) providing immediate direct support. The remaining 34 clubs are on standby ready to provide financial and general support as and when required.

The average strength of our Lions Clubs is only 22 members, all of who are tireless in their efforts, but with more resources they could provide greater relief for those in dire need.

Government agencies (at all levels) are accepting their respective responsibilities and obligations; however, NGO volunteer emergency service organizations are fully committed and our Lions are right to the forefront of this effort.

All Lions activities are being conducted as prescribed in the "MD201 Emergency Management Plan (Provisional)" which has been prepared as an adjunct to the "LCI Lions Alert Programme".

18 December 2006 - Update V3 Victorian Lions Support Plan

Meeting to discuss recovery plan following Bushfire emergency.

Thursday 28th Dec 2006 at 7.00 pm
Duesbury Gippsland, 67 - 71 Foster St, SALE

Norm Cooper
Cab Sec 201 V3
cabsec@district201v3.org.au

Victorian Lions support Plan

There was a meeting of the V3 Emergency Committee held at Sale (most central location) on night of December 7th. In attendance was the DG, DEO, Cab Sec the V3 Zone Coord Officer and Zone Chairmen for Zones 1 to 5; plus the V3 PR Officer. Also in attendance was Lion Murray Goff who played a leading role in the provision of Lions support during the terrible fires of 2003. He received recognition from most agencies involved and his advice to the meeting was invaluable.

The committee met for three hours and evaluated all aspects of the requirement. The following interim plan was established and approved to be set in place on Friday 11th.

• Each Zone Chairman to establish direct contact with the Emergency Services Liaison Officer at the appropriate Shire.

• Clubs to identify member availability and select a club representative for single point tasking and advise the appropriate Zone Chairman of this members identity and contact details.

• Club Presidents be advised to have member volunteers ready to move at short notice.

• All Lions elements to accept any reasonable request that is within their ability and capability.

• Zone Coordinator to brief Chairmen of Zones 6 to 11 and warn them of possible involvement at short notice.

• Ensure the District Emergency Officer is advised of all occurrences that involve Lions Elements.

• Maintain a diary of events for after action reports.

• Prepare to enter the Recovery Phase when the fire threat has passed.
  District Emergency Officer – Bob Newton

14 December 2006 - Lions Licola Village Emerges Unscathed

All is well, not a building lost or person harmed, thanks to the wonderful efforts of the CFA and DSE who have been stationed in the camp for the past 10 days or so. They have been full of praise for the level of care they have received from Licola staff.

Today the bushfires swept right up to the boundaries of the Village after anxious days of watching and waiting. Forty foot high fires circled the village. Fire threatened the power station, burnt right along the bank behind the buildings, wiping out the blackberry
population, and down to Bondi, burning up the undergrowth down there. There was a fire on the art room roof that was quickly extinguished, and we may lose the stables, but are hoping not to. The wall of fire has now passed on around the village and on
southwards.

Neil and two of the casual kitchen staff have been doing a fantastic job working very
long hours accommodating and feeding on average 70 firefighters per day. In turn, the firefighters have been doing a marvellous job travelling out and back from the village fighting the fires and doing a huge amount of preventive work. In recent days, they have covered
over the exposed water pipes and created a fire break around the village with heavy equipment and back burning. They have secured neighbouring farms and sprayed bridges with fire retardant to avoid them burning them down. Today they have been nothing short of marvellous in defending our Village, and we can't thank them enough.

It's believed that the danger to Licola is over. There is of still concern about flying embers, and the firefighters will remain in the village until all danger is past. What a wonderful lot they are!

Noreen Carr

Board Secretary/Director

For more information about Licola go to www.licola.org.au